Decoding Costco Price Tags: What Does That Asterisk * Really Mean?

Costco, the warehouse club giant, is a treasure trove of bulk buys and discounted deals. But navigating the aisles and deciphering the price tags can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code. Ever noticed that little asterisk (*) lurking on some of those tags? It’s more than just a random symbol; it’s a key piece of information that can help you save money and make smarter purchasing decisions. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Costco price tags, focusing on the meaning behind that mysterious asterisk.

Understanding the Basics of Costco Price Tags

Before diving into the significance of the asterisk, let’s establish a foundational understanding of the information typically displayed on a Costco price tag. Understanding the base components is critical to understanding nuanced markdowns and inventory changes.

* **Item Name and Description:** This is usually displayed prominently at the top of the tag, clearly identifying the product.
* **Price per Unit:** This is the total price for the item. It’s usually the most noticeable part of the tag.
* **Price per (Smaller) Unit (if applicable):** For items sold in bulk, Costco often includes the price per smaller unit (e.g., per pound, per ounce, per count). This allows you to easily compare the cost with items sold elsewhere. Look for terms like ‘PER LB’ or ‘PER OZ.’
* **Item Number:** A unique identifier for the product within the Costco system. This is useful for reordering or checking online availability.
* **Price Codes (ending in .99, .97, etc.):** These numbers are clues to Costco’s pricing strategy, which we will elaborate upon below.

The Asterisk (*) Decoded: A Sign of Discontinuation

Now for the main event: the asterisk (*). In the world of Costco price tags, an asterisk in the upper right corner (or sometimes near the price) signifies that the item will not be restocked. This means that once the current inventory is sold, it will likely be gone for good – at least for the foreseeable future. This could be because the item is seasonal, a limited-time offer, being discontinued by the manufacturer, or simply not performing well in that particular warehouse location.

**What this means for you:**

* **Act Fast:** If you see an item you love with an asterisk, it’s time to stock up! Don’t wait, as it might not be there on your next visit.
* **Don’t Expect a Price Drop (necessarily):** While some discontinued items might be further discounted to clear them out quickly, this isn’t always the case. The asterisk primarily indicates limited availability, not necessarily an impending price reduction.
* **Consider Warehouse Variation:** Keep in mind that a discontinued item at one Costco location might still be available at another. Inventory and stock decisions can vary from store to store depending on the region, demand, and local trends. Therefore, just because a product is marked with an asterisk at your local Costco, it doesn’t automatically mean it is being discontinued nationwide.

Other Important Price Tag Codes and Their Meanings

Beyond the asterisk, several other numerical codes embedded in Costco’s pricing system offer valuable insights. These codes hint at markdowns, special offers, and overall value.

* **.99:** This is the most common price ending and generally indicates a regular, full-priced item. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is a discount involved, but it represents Costco’s standard markup.
* **.97:** A price ending in .97 typically signifies a manager’s special or clearance item. These are often products that Costco is trying to move quickly, offering significant savings.
* **.00 or .88:** These prices usually indicate a manager’s markdown or a closeout deal. They’re often the best deals you’ll find, suggesting that the item is heavily discounted to clear space for new inventory. Items ending in these numbers are usually sold in limited quantities.
* **Price Tags with a Star or Special Symbol (other than the asterisk):** Occasionally, you might see a different symbol on a price tag. This could indicate a special promotion, manufacturer coupon, or bundled offer. Always read the fine print to understand the terms of the deal.

Why Does Costco Discontinue Items?

Several factors contribute to Costco’s decisions to discontinue products. Understanding these reasons can give you a better sense of why that asterisk appears and why certain items disappear from shelves.

* **Seasonality:** Many items, especially those related to holidays, seasonal fruits, vegetables, or outdoor equipment, are only available for a limited time. Once the season ends, the item is typically discontinued until the following year.
* **Limited-Time Offers:** Costco frequently features special, limited-time offers on various products. These deals are designed to generate excitement and drive sales, but they aren’t intended to be permanent fixtures in the inventory.
* **Manufacturer Discontinuation:** Sometimes, a manufacturer discontinues a product, forcing Costco to remove it from its shelves. This is beyond Costco’s control, and the item will no longer be available once the existing stock is depleted.
* **Poor Sales Performance:** If an item isn’t selling well in a particular location, Costco may discontinue it to make room for products that are more popular with local shoppers. This helps optimize inventory and maximize sales.
* **Packaging Changes:** If a manufacturer changes a product’s packaging, Costco may discontinue the old version to introduce the new one. This ensures that customers are receiving the most up-to-date product.
* **Contract Negotiations:** Sometimes, disagreements over pricing or other contract terms between Costco and a supplier can lead to discontinuation. If they can’t reach an agreement, Costco may choose to remove the product from its shelves.

Strategies for Shopping at Costco Effectively

To maximize your Costco experience and take full advantage of the deals and discounts available, consider these strategic shopping tips:

* **Shop Regularly:** Visit Costco frequently to stay up-to-date on new items, limited-time offers, and clearance deals. This also gives you a chance to spot those asterisks before your favorite items disappear.
* **Pay Attention to Price Tags:** Always examine the price tags carefully, paying attention to the price endings and any special symbols. This will help you identify the best deals and make informed purchasing decisions.
* **Read Reviews:** Before buying a large quantity of an unfamiliar product, read online reviews to get insights from other customers. This can help you avoid wasting money on items you might not like.
* **Compare Unit Prices:** When comparing prices, always focus on the unit price (e.g., price per pound, price per ounce). This will give you an accurate comparison of the cost of different products.
* **Be Aware of the Return Policy:** Costco has a generous return policy, allowing you to return most items for a full refund. This gives you the confidence to try new products without worrying about being stuck with something you don’t like. However, be mindful of electronics and larger appliances as there might be a 90-day return policy.
* **Check the Costco Website:** Before heading to the warehouse, check the Costco website for online-only deals and discounts. Some items are only available online, and you can often find great savings.
* **Consider a Costco Credit Card:** If you shop at Costco frequently, consider getting a Costco credit card. These cards offer cash back rewards on Costco purchases, as well as other benefits. Often, the rewards exceed the annual membership fee.
* **Shop During Off-Peak Hours:** To avoid crowds and long checkout lines, try shopping during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or evenings. This will make your shopping experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
* **Bring a Shopping List:** To avoid impulse purchases, create a shopping list before heading to Costco and stick to it as closely as possible. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid buying items you don’t need.
* **Factor in Storage:** Remember that Costco sells items in bulk, so make sure you have enough storage space at home before making large purchases. Consider investing in storage containers or shelving units to keep your Costco finds organized.

Examples of Items That Might Get the Asterisk

To give you a better idea of what types of items might be marked with an asterisk, here are some common examples:

* **Seasonal Decorations:** Holiday decorations, such as Christmas ornaments or Halloween costumes, are typically only available for a limited time and are often marked with an asterisk after the holiday has passed.
* **Outdoor Furniture:** Patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items are usually seasonal and may be discontinued at the end of the summer.
* **Clothing:** Fashion items, such as seasonal clothing or limited-edition collaborations, are often marked with an asterisk when they are being cleared out to make room for new styles.
* **Food Items:** Some food items, such as seasonal fruits or vegetables, imported cheeses, or specialty snacks, may be discontinued due to limited availability or poor sales performance.
* **Electronics:** Older models of electronics, such as televisions or laptops, may be discontinued to make room for newer models.

The Psychology Behind the Asterisk: Creating Scarcity

The use of the asterisk is a clever psychological tactic employed by Costco. By signaling that an item is about to disappear, it creates a sense of scarcity and urgency. This can encourage shoppers to make a purchase they might otherwise delay, fearing that the opportunity will be lost. This plays on the psychological principle of loss aversion, where people are more motivated to avoid losses than to acquire equivalent gains. Seeing an asterisk triggers this fear of missing out (FOMO), prompting immediate action.

How to Confirm Discontinuation

While the asterisk is a strong indicator, it’s always wise to double-check if an item is truly being discontinued. Here are a few ways to confirm:

* **Ask a Costco Employee:** The easiest way to confirm is to ask a Costco employee directly. They can check the item’s status in their system and provide more information.
* **Check the Costco App or Website:** Sometimes, the Costco app or website may indicate whether an item is being discontinued, although this information isn’t always available.
* **Monitor the Item’s Location:** If the item is moved to a different location in the warehouse, or if the display is significantly reduced, it could be a sign that it’s being phased out.

Conclusion

That asterisk on a Costco price tag is more than just a symbol; it’s a warning and an opportunity. By understanding what it means, you can make more informed purchasing decisions, snag great deals on items you love, and avoid the disappointment of missing out on limited-time offers. So, the next time you’re wandering the aisles of Costco, keep an eye out for that little star – it might just lead you to your next great find! Happy shopping!