Costco is a shopping paradise for many, with its wide range of products, bulk deals, and tempting food court. But there’s more to this warehouse club than meets the eye. Here are 27 secrets that even the most dedicated Costco shoppers may not know.
The History of Costco
Costco’s history is rich and full of interesting facts that many shoppers are unaware of. It was founded in 1976 under the name “Price Club” by Sol and Robert Price in San Diego. It was initially intended to serve only small businesses, but it soon opened its doors to non-business members, which significantly boosted its sales.
In 1983, the first Costco warehouse opened in Seattle, Washington. In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged, creating a powerhouse in the wholesale industry. Today, Costco has over 800 warehouses worldwide, making it one of the largest and most successful retailers globally.
The Costco Membership
Costco operates on a membership model, and there are a few secrets about this system that can help you make the most of your shopping experience. The first secret is that the membership is fully refundable at any time. If you’re not satisfied with your membership, Costco will refund your fee in full.
Another secret is that you can shop at Costco without a membership in certain cases. If you have a Costco Cash Card (a gift card), you can shop at any Costco location. You can also shop on Costco’s website with a 5% surcharge.
Executive Membership Benefits
Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive. While the Gold Star membership is cheaper, the Executive membership comes with a 2% reward on most purchases. If you spend a lot on Costco, this can add up to significant savings.
Additionally, Executive members have access to extra benefits and discounts on services like travel and insurance. It’s worth considering if you’re a frequent Costco shopper.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Brand
Costco’s private label, Kirkland Signature, was launched in 1995. The name comes from Costco’s then-headquarters in Kirkland, Washington. The Kirkland Signature brand covers a wide range of products, from clothing to food to household items.
One secret about Kirkland Signature products is that they are often made by the same manufacturers who make name-brand products. For example, Kirkland Signature Vodka is rumored to be made by the same distillery that produces Grey Goose. This means you can get high-quality products at a fraction of the cost.
Kirkland Signature Quality Guarantee
Costco stands behind the quality of its Kirkland Signature products. If you’re not satisfied with any Kirkland Signature item, you can return it for a full refund, even without a receipt. This is part of Costco’s generous return policy, which is another secret that many shoppers don’t know about.
Costco’s return policy is one of the best in the retail industry. You can return almost any item at any time if you’re not satisfied with it. There are a few exceptions, such as electronics, which must be returned within 90 days of purchase.
Costco’s Food Court
Costco’s food court is famous for its affordable and delicious food. The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is a classic that has remained the same price since 1985. But there are a few secrets about the food court that you might not know.
First, you don’t need a membership to eat at the food court. At most locations, the food court is outside of the members-only shopping area, so anyone can enjoy Costco’s food. Second, the pizza at Costco’s food court is one of the best deals. A whole 18″ pizza is only $9.95, and it’s often rated as one of the best pizzas in terms of value.
Healthy Options at the Food Court
While Costco’s food court is known for its hot dogs and pizza, there are also healthier options available. The acai bowl is a popular choice, and the chicken Caesar salad is a filling and nutritious option. So even if you’re trying to eat healthy, you can still enjoy a meal at Costco’s food court.
Costco is constantly adding new items to its food court menu, so keep an eye out for new and exciting options. Whether you’re a long-time Costco member or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover at this beloved warehouse club.