Costco, a popular warehouse club in the U.S., is famous for offering bulk buys at unbeatable prices. With millions of members, it provides everything from household essentials to luxury items. Here’s a breakdown of Costco’s best-selling items and how savvy shoppers can make the most of their membership.
Key Takeaways
- Kirkland Signature bath tissue and rotisserie chicken are among Costco’s top sellers.
- Costco’s business model relies on offering unbeatable prices on high-demand products, including gas and food court items.
- Membership provides access to savings on a wide range of products, from groceries to appliances.
- Shoppers can save even more with Costco’s exclusive sales, travel deals, and extended warranties on appliances.
Why Do Shoppers Love Costco?
Costco operates on a membership model, with the basic Gold Star membership at $65 per year and the Executive membership at $130. (The Executive membership offers 2% cash back, up to a maximum of $1,250 per year.)
Shoppers typically spend about $150 per visit, according to a company representative who cited past earnings calls.
Costco accepts Visa credit cards, debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, mobile payment apps, and more.
The variety, low prices, and exclusive Kirkland Signature products, plus the iconic $1.50 hot dogs, create a treasure hunt experience that keeps customers coming back. Costco’s customer service, particularly at its pharmacy, further adds to its appeal.
Costco’s Best-Selling Products
What makes Costco such a popular choice among savvy shoppers? The value found in some of its signature products is hard to beat. Here are some of the best-selling items that consistently attract customers:
1. Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue
Price: $23.49 for 30 rolls
Why It’s Popular: Known for its softness and strength, Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue is a more affordable option compared to premium brands.
2. Rotisserie Chicken
Price: $4.99 for a whole cooked chicken
Why It’s Popular: Despite costing more to produce, they’re sold at a loss to draw customers into the store, boosting sales of high-margin goods.
3. Gas
Price: Varies, typically cheaper than surrounding stations
Why It’s Popular: Costco’s gas is typically 20 cents cheaper per gallon than its competitors. Its members enjoy an extra discount.
4. Kirkland Hickory Smoked Bacon
Price: $16.99 for a 4-pound pack
Why It’s Popular: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Hickory Smoked bacon is thick-cut, crispy, and fresh. Rated as No. 1 in taste tests by Consumer Reports, its per-pound price is also significantly lower than competitors’ prices for similar quality bacon.
5. Hot Dogs
Price: $1.50 for a hot dog and soda combo
Why It’s Popular: Despite rising production costs, Costco hasn’t raised the price for decades. Like its rotisserie chicken, it’s a loss leader: the hot dog combo brings in customers who go on to purchase higher-margin items.
6. Major Appliances
Price: Varies by product
Why It’s Popular: Costco offers a wide range of major appliances like refrigerators and washers, often with deep discounts and extended warranties (up to two years), providing excellent value and peace of mind for large purchases.
Other Products and Services Worth Buying at Costco
- Gift Cards: Available for several stores and restaurants, these gift cards are typically sold at a discounted price. For example, you can get a $100 value of Domino’s Pizza for $74.99, saving you $25.
- Larger Meat Cuts: You can typically find high-quality, bulk-sized cuts of meat at a fraction of the cost you’d find at a traditional grocery store.
- Rare Wines and Spirits: Costco’s wine and liquor section is diverse, featuring well-known and rare labels at a lower price. They also have wine and liquor available under their Kirkland Signature brand.
- Travel Deals: Members have access to discounted vacation packages, budget-friendly cruises, and additional perks, such as free upgrades.
- Prescription Eyeglasses: Costco’s optical department offers a wide selection of high-quality prescription eyeglasses at lower prices than many competitors.
- Prescription Drugs: Costco’s pharmacy is known for its low prices and shorter wait times compared to other pharmacies, offering savings on prescriptions.
How to Maximize Your Costco Membership
Want to make the most of your Costco membership? Here are a few expert tips to help you save even more:
- Shop with a Plan: Stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
- Stock Up on Sale Items: Take advantage of discounts on non-perishables.
- Look for Instant Savings: Keep an eye out for instant savings on sale items, as Costco often offers additional discounts on top of their already low prices.
- Look for Manager Markdown Items: Items that are near their sell-by dates and items that are being discontinued are often discounted.
- Use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: The Costco Anywhere Visa® card gives you 2% cash back on Costco purchases, plus 4% cash back on the first $7,000 worth of gas and EV charging per year (and then 1% cash back after that). There’s also 3% cash back on restaurants and travel, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Scan Costco Receipts Using Fetch for Redeemable Points: Scan your Costco receipt using the Fetch Rewards app to earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
The Bottom Line
Costco’s membership offers great savings, but smart shopping strategies make the biggest impact. With exceptional value on high-quality products like Kirkland Signature items, rotisserie chicken, and gas, Costco is a top choice for budget-conscious shoppers. By taking advantage of membership perks and following a few simple tips, you can maximize your savings every time you shop.
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