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How to Score Amazing Deals at Costco Clearance Sales and Save Big

If you love finding big savings on everything from electronics to household items, Costco’s clearance sales might be one of retail’s best-kept secrets.

Why Costco Clearance is Worth Exploring

Costco already offers competitive prices, but their clearance deals can drop those prices even further—sometimes by 50% or more. These hidden savings often go unnoticed because Costco doesn’t heavily advertise clearance sales the way other retailers do.

Costco uses specific pricing codes and tags to quietly signal clearance items. By learning how to spot them, savvy shoppers can save hundreds of dollars each year.

What Types of Clearance Deals Does Costco Offer?

Costco’s clearance sections can include virtually any product category, such as:

  • Electronics: TVs, laptops, headphones, sometimes marked hundreds of dollars off retail prices.
  • Home Goods: Furniture, rugs, lighting, and seasonal decor.
  • Clothing: Name-brand apparel at deep discounts, especially at season’s end.
  • Appliances: Small kitchen appliances or large household items on clearance.
  • Toys and Gifts: Popular toys and gift sets often see price cuts after holidays.
  • Groceries and Snacks: Certain food items get clearance pricing when nearing seasonal changes or packaging updates.

Keep in mind that clearance inventory varies widely by warehouse location. What’s on clearance at your local store might not match another warehouse across town.

How to Find Costco Clearance Items

Clearance hunting at Costco requires knowing a few insider tricks:

Look for Price Tags Ending in .97

At Costco, items ending in .97 are marked down from their regular price. For example:

  • Regular price: $29.99
  • Clearance price: $19.97

This is one of the simplest ways to identify a deal.

Check for Asterisks on Price Tags

A price sign with an asterisk (*) in the upper right corner means:

  • The item is discontinued.
  • No more stock is coming once it’s sold out.

It’s a sign to act quickly if you want the deal.

Look High and Low on Shelves

Clearance items might be:

  • Stacked on upper racks
  • Placed on lower shelves
  • Tucked into side aisles

Unlike featured items displayed prominently, clearance goods often hide in less obvious spots.

Shop at the End of the Season

Costco clears out seasonal items aggressively:

  • Patio furniture drops in price in late summer.
  • Holiday decor slashes prices in January.
  • Winter clothing discounts appear around February.

Shopping just after the season ends can yield the best deals.

Extra Ways to Save at Costco

Here are additional ways to maximize savings beyond clearance:

  • Executive Membership Rewards: The Executive Membership ($120/year) earns 2% back annually on most purchases, up to $1,000 a year. If you shop often, it can pay for itself.
  • Costco Online Clearance: Costco.com also has clearance sections. Search for “Clearance” or “While Supplies Last.”
  • Coupons and Instant Savings: Check Costco’s monthly coupon book, which includes discounts that automatically apply at checkout.
  • Price Adjustments: If a clearance item drops in price within 30 days of your purchase, Costco may refund the difference—just bring your receipt to the customer service desk.
  • Gift Card Deals: Costco often sells discounted gift cards for restaurants, attractions, or online services.

Benefits of Shopping Costco Clearance Sales

Shopping Costco’s clearance sales isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about:

  • Accessing high-quality products for less.
  • Scoring unique or limited-edition items.
  • Reducing waste by giving unsold items a new home.
  • Stretching your household budget without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts

Costco’s clearance sales are a hidden gem for bargain hunters. With a little patience and the right knowledge, you can uncover major deals on everyday essentials and big-ticket items alike. Look for .97 price endings, watch for the asterisk, and shop strategically to make the most of Costco’s hidden savings.

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