Why Do People Line Up Outside At Costco Before It Opens?

Local businesses aren't the only ones showing up at Costco early

While local businesses have the strongest motivation to arrive at Costco early, they aren't the only ones waiting in line before the store opens. Many shoppers also show up early to snag the best bargains and avoid the rush. It might seem a bit odd to queue outside a warehouse club to dodge crowds, but once inside, shoppers tend to disperse quickly, resulting in fewer people compared to visiting in the afternoon or early evening.

Moreover, Costco typically restocks its shelves overnight, so arriving first thing in the morning increases your chances of finding the freshest produce, for example. As more customers enter, popular items can get picked over and may even sell out. Although Costco does replenish stock throughout the day, getting there early minimizes the risk of missing out on essential items. This is particularly important for special deals, which can sometimes be gone by noon, depending on their popularity.

That said, if waiting outside isn't appealing to you, arriving just an hour after opening can still provide access to some of the best deals and freshest products while avoiding the largest crowds. The only exceptions might be during the holiday season or when people are preparing for severe weather.