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Everyone loves shopping at Costco. They have everything you need, and lots of it. There are samples. They have delicious produce and meats, and you always feel like you’ve gotten a great deal (even if you have no idea where you’re going to put it when you get home.
It makes sense, then, that we’re all a little curious if there’s something more we could learn that would make our experience even better – and the current or former employees are here to tell you that yes, there are.
13. Items get moved around for a reason.
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Costco touts their practice of constantly moving items around as a “treasure hunt,” but in reality, they know that the more you have to wander, the more unplanned items will end up in your cart.
12. They treat their employees well.
Their minimum wage for hourly employees is now $15, and they also offer healthcare and other benefits to all employees as well as free store memberships.
Some other perks: free turkeys on Thanksgiving and time and a half if you have to work on a Sunday.
11. If your favorite item is always in the same spot, that’s because it sells well.
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Even though they like the “treasure hunt” mentality, if they have an item that’s selling really well in one spot, they will leave it alone.
10. Yes, they have your health food.
If you think warehouse clubs are full of people buying giant bags of chicken nuggets and packages of candy that could last all summer, well…you’re not wrong.
But also, they stock things like yogurt, coconut water, protein powder, fresh fruits, and offer a large selection of yummy lean meats – so don’t turn up your nose if health food is your thing!
9. They prefer that you order ahead.
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They have pre-made party platters but if you call the day ahead and let them know you’re going to need one (or more) they’ll make sure to have enough on hand.
8. You don’t have to have a big family to shop there.
Even if you’re not feeding an army at home (or just a couple of teenaged boys), there are plenty of things that have a stable shelf-life and are easier to buy in bulk.
You know. Like toilet paper.
7. They do have sales on just about everything.
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If you’re not in need of something today, keep an eye on it – most items will go on sale eventually, and the deals are typically pretty good.
6. If you haven’t checked out their pizza, do yourself a favor and give it a try.
All of their food court food is surprisingly delicious, but the pizzas are baked fresh in every store using Kirkland Signature ingredients.
They’re piled with cheese and other toppings, making it the perfect, reasonably-priced lunch on your way in or out of the store.
The hot dogs are also delicious!
5. There are employees in the meat department.
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You might not see employees behind the counter, but they’re there – just knock on the door and they’ll be happy to answer your questions.
4. People actually buy the 8-foot-tall teddy bear. Often.
Photo Credit: Costco
If you think the giant teddy is just a gimmick, you’re wrong. Employees verify that people don’t just snap pictures with the huge stuffed animal, they buy it, too (usually grandparents!).
No word on how they get it home, though.
3. They don’t price match other stores, but they do refund if you missed a sale.
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If you’ve bought an item and then see that it’s on sale within a month, you can put in a request online or visit customer service to ask to have the difference refunded.
2. You don’t have to be a member to use the pharmacy.
They’ll let you use their pharmacy, but don’t try to pull a fast one – you won’t be able to check out without a membership card.
1. Why their rotisserie chickens are actually the best.
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The chickens are only $4.99 and can weigh twice as much as the ones you get at your grocery store or at Walmart. Costco doesn’t add any preservatives, MSG, or artificial colors or flavors to their birds, either, and they are 100% delicious.
I just love learning little behind-the-scenes secrets, infinitely more so when they don’t turn me off!
Did these make you want to shop at Costco even more? What was the biggest surprise for you?
Tell us in the comments!
