As one of the largest retail giants in the world, Costco offers a unique shopping experience that attracts millions of people every year. With its vast selection of products and unbeatable prices, it’s no wonder that Costco is a popular destination for shoppers. However, there are some things that you should do every time you visit Costco to make the most out of your shopping trip. In this article, we will cover some of the essential things that you should do every time you visit Costco.
Taste some samples
Thing that you should do every time you visit Costco is to taste some samples. Costco offers free food and beverage samples to shoppers, which is a great way to try out new products without committing to buying them. You can find sample stations throughout the store, especially in the food and beverage sections.
Sampling is a popular feature of Costco shopping, and it’s not uncommon to see a crowd around a sample station. By tasting the samples, you can get an idea of the product’s quality, flavor, and texture, and decide if it’s something you would like to purchase.
Sampling can also be an excellent way to discover new products that you may not have considered before. Costco often features new and unique items that are not available at other stores, and sampling can be an opportunity to try something new and exciting.
Stock up on pantry items before you run out
Stocking up on pantry items before you run out is another essential thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Costco is known for its large selection of pantry items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and snacks, and buying these items in bulk can save you both time and money in the long run.
One of the benefits of buying pantry items in bulk is that you can avoid running out of essential items unexpectedly. By having a stockpile of pantry items, you’ll be prepared for unexpected guests or last-minute meals, and you won’t have to rush to the store in the middle of cooking a meal.
Additionally, buying pantry items in bulk can save you money in the long run. Costco offers significant discounts on bulk items, and you can save even more money by using coupons and taking advantage of weekly deals. Plus, buying in bulk means that you’ll make fewer trips to the store, which can also save you time and money on gas.
Have lunch before going into the warehouse
Having lunch before going into the warehouse is another thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Costco is known for its large selection of food items, including snacks, frozen meals, and hot food items. However, the food court and snack stands can be quite busy during peak hours, and you may end up spending a lot of time waiting in line.
By having lunch before entering the warehouse, you can avoid the crowds and focus on your shopping. You’ll also be less likely to make impulse purchases while you’re hungry, which can save you money in the long run.
If you do decide to grab a bite to eat at Costco, make sure to plan accordingly. Avoid peak lunch hours if possible, and try to go during non-peak hours, such as early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Additionally, consider bringing your own snacks and water to avoid spending money on food items.
Use the pharmacy for your prescriptions
Using the pharmacy for your prescriptions is another thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Costco has a full-service pharmacy that offers prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and health products at competitive prices.
One of the benefits of using Costco’s pharmacy is that you can save money on prescription drugs. Costco’s pharmacy offers discounted prices on many prescription medications, and you don’t need to be a Costco member to use the pharmacy. In fact, the pharmacy is open to everyone, regardless of membership status.
Costco’s pharmacy also offers a range of services, such as automatic prescription refills, medication counseling, and health screenings. You can also order prescription refills online or through the Costco mobile app, making it easy and convenient to manage your medications.
Fill up with Costco’s cheap gas
Filling up with Costco’s cheap gas is another thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Costco has its own gas stations that offer high-quality gasoline at a significantly lower price than other gas stations. In fact, according to a study conducted by GasBuddy, Costco’s gas prices are on average 20-30 cents cheaper per gallon than the national average.
One of the benefits of filling up at Costco’s gas stations is the cost savings. You can save a significant amount of money by filling up your tank at Costco’s gas stations, especially if you have a long commute or drive frequently.
Another advantage of filling up with Costco’s gas is the quality of the gasoline. Costco’s gas is top-tier, meaning that it contains a higher level of detergents and other additives that can help keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
Browse the clothes section
Browsing the clothes section is another thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Costco offers a wide range of clothing items, including apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories such as hats, scarves, and gloves. The clothing items at Costco are often high-quality and are offered at affordable prices.
One of the benefits of browsing the clothes section at Costco is the cost savings. Costco’s clothing items are often sold at a lower price point than other retailers, which can save you money on your clothing budget.
Another advantage of shopping at Costco’s clothing section is the variety of styles and sizes available. Costco offers a range of clothing options, from casual wear to business attire, in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find something that fits your style and body type.
Think twice about buying perishables in bulk
While it’s generally a good idea to stock up on non-perishable items at Costco, you should think twice about buying perishables in bulk. Perishable items, such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, have a limited shelf life and can spoil quickly if not consumed in a timely manner.
One of the risks of buying perishables in bulk is that you may not be able to consume them before they go bad. This can lead to waste, which is not only bad for your budget but also bad for the environment.
Another issue with buying perishables in bulk is that they may not be as fresh as you’d like. While Costco is known for its high-quality products, buying large quantities of perishables means that they may sit on the shelves for longer periods before being sold. To avoid waste and ensure that you’re getting the freshest perishables, it’s a good idea to buy them in smaller quantities and shop for them more frequently. This way, you can be sure that you’re consuming them before they spoil.
Check out a new Kirkland Signature item
Checking out a new Kirkland Signature item is another thing that you should do every time you visit Costco. Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand, and it offers a wide range of high-quality products at affordable prices. Many Kirkland Signature items are comparable or even better than their brand name counterparts.
One of the benefits of checking out a new Kirkland Signature item is the cost savings. Kirkland Signature items are often priced lower than similar brand name products, which can save you money on your shopping trip.
Another advantage of trying out a new Kirkland Signature item is the quality. Costco is known for its high standards of quality, and Kirkland Signature items are no exception. Many Kirkland Signature items are made with high-quality ingredients and materials, making them a great value for the price.
Visiting Costco can be an exciting and productive shopping experience if you take the time to plan ahead. By following these simple tips, you can make the most out of your visit to Costco and save time and money in the process. So, the next time you visit Costco, remember to check the weekly deals, bring your membership card, use the Costco app, plan your route, and take advantage of the food court.
