Yes, yes, we love Costco. So we were both fascinated and impressed by this Uproxx exploration of the different meanings behind certain Costco price codes. Turns out, something that ends in .99 has a different meaning that something that ends in .97: “We’ve also all noticed that Costco prices things… oddly. There are items that end in configurations of $x.09 or $x.29 cents or are priced at exactly $x.00 all the time. There’s a method to this madness.” As straight-up Costco nerds, we find this all tremendously fascinating.
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If a price ends in .98 or .99, “That means Costco didn’t get a special deal from the supplier… It’s not on sale or marked down in any way.” But any other price that ends in “.x9"—like .29 or .79—indicates a manufacturer deal, which means that Costco bought these items in bulk, meaning more of a bargain for you.
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.97 is Costco’s code for manager sale prices to move stock, indicating even more of a discount item. But the real deals are the prices that end in .88 and .00, which are for discontinued or damaged items that won’t be replaced. Says Uproxx, “Translation: these are steeply discounted to move out of the store as quickly as possible. If you see something you like, act fast.” A sign with a double asterisk in the top right-hand corner indicates something similar.
We are grateful to Uproxx for cracking these retail codes, and now we can’t wait to hit the big-box store this weekend. We just hope we have room for more giant packs of paper towels and multi-unit cases of tuna cans.
Greetings, fellow Costco enthusiasts! As a dedicated aficionado of the warehouse giant, I find great pleasure in unraveling the intricacies of its pricing strategies. My expertise in retail intricacies and a profound understanding of Costco's pricing mechanisms will surely shed light on the intriguing world of their price codes.
The Uproxx exploration you mentioned delves into the fascinating realm of Costco's pricing, revealing a hidden language that savvy shoppers can decode to make the most of their shopping experience. Let me break down the concepts involved:
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Price Endings and Meanings:
- Prices ending in .98 or .99: These signify that Costco did not secure a special deal from the supplier. These items are not on sale or marked down.
- Prices ending in .x9 (e.g., .29 or .79): Indicate a manufacturer deal. Costco bought these items in bulk, offering more significant bargains to customers.
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.97: Manager Sale Prices:
- A price ending in .97 is a code for manager sale prices. This suggests that Costco is looking to move stock quickly, offering an even more substantial discount.
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Special Deals: .88 and .00:
- Prices ending in .88 and .00: These are the real gems. Such prices indicate discontinued or damaged items that won't be restocked. They are steeply discounted to clear inventory swiftly. If you spot something you like, the advice is to act fast.
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Asterisk Indicator:
- A sign with a double asterisk in the top right-hand corner: This indicates a similar scenario to .88 and .00 prices, suggesting a clearance or discontinued item.
Understanding these price codes gives shoppers a strategic advantage, allowing them to differentiate between regular prices, manufacturer deals, manager sale prices, and clearance/discontinued items. It's a testament to Costco's intricate pricing strategy, designed to offer value to its customers.
As you embark on your next Costco adventure, armed with this knowledge, keep an eye out for those elusive .88 and .00 price tags, and be swift in your decision-making when you spot a treasure among the aisles. Happy shopping!
