Costco serves as a comprehensive retail destination, offering an array of products beyond the typical groceries. While some may find the concept of purchasing clothing alongside groceries unconventional, Costco stands out for its diverse range of items. Few other retailers match the variety provided by Costco, where one can acquire a two-carat diamond and three pounds of garlic in a single visit.
While groceries constitute a significant portion of Costco’s sales, the warehouse offers more than its well-known $5 rotisserie chicken and $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Beyond loading up on snacks and paper products, Costco patrons can avail themselves of services such as acquiring new tires, scheduling an eye exam, filling prescriptions, and even booking travel plans—all under one roof. Despite the widespread awareness of Costco’s extensive inventory and services, there remain some lesser-known gems. Here are a few surprising finds at Costco that enhance the value of an annual membership.
While Costco is renowned for its cost-effective bulk purchases, it also caters to those seeking luxurious and gourmet items. In addition to fine jewelry and deluxe vacation packages, Costco houses a gourmet food section, featuring tins of caviar. Despite the association with high-end indulgence, Costco offers competitive prices, allowing enthusiasts to acquire pounds of caviar in line with the warehouse’s bulk-buying philosophy.
A notable convenience of grocery shopping at Costco is the availability of free samples. However, the challenge arises when faced with transporting heavy cases of bottled water back home. Costco addresses this issue with its water delivery services, ensuring the delivery of bottled water, be it purified or spring water, in 5-gallon bottles. Additionally, Costco provides the option to rent hot or cold water dispensers, acknowledging the practicality of dispensing water from these large jugs. For those favoring alkaline water, Costco caters to this preference as well.
During the holiday season, Costco transforms into a culinary haven, offering a range of holiday meal kits that elevate the festive dining experience. While Costco consistently provides prepared meals, the holiday spreads are unparalleled. For instance, the Thanksgiving meal kit caters to a family of eight at a reasonable cost of $200. This comprehensive package includes five pounds of turkey, seven side dishes, and two desserts. What sets Costco apart is its convenience; the festive meal is delivered directly to your door, sparing patrons from enduring bustling queues. Throughout the year, Costco typically features other holiday-specific food packages, extending its offerings to Christmas, Easter, July 4th, and more.
Beyond groceries, Costco surprises shoppers with an array of kitchen appliances, proving advantageous for those contemplating home improvements. While the small kitchen appliance aisle is known for its variety, Costco also houses large household appliances. This includes not only ovens and refrigerators but also sinks, garbage disposals, range hoods, and even wine cellars.
Costco’s commitment to merging quality with affordability extends even to its more luxurious products, exemplified by its collection of Japanese wagyu beef. Offering a variety of steaks, roasts, and burgers, Costco provides an opportunity to indulge in the highest quality Japanese wagyu (A5 grade) at a competitive price. While this premium meat may exceed $100 for a few pounds, Costco frequently features deals, enabling patrons to enjoy significant savings compared to alternative sources, where wagyu beef can easily command prices around $200 per pound.
For those with green thumbs, Costco caters to gardening enthusiasts by offering a mini greenhouse alongside its full-size counterparts. Priced under $350, inclusive of shipping, the mini greenhouse provides protection for fruits, vegetables, and herbs against birds and insects. Additionally, it preserves warmth, safeguarding plants from freezing during winter. The ease of assembly and disassembly makes it an ideal solution for every gardener’s dream.
In an era dominated by discussions on sustainability, Costco, despite generating packaging waste, offers products designed to reduce your carbon footprint. Among these offerings are food recyclers and composters, providing options such as countertop appliances for converting food scraps into premium fertilizer or outdoor bins facilitating the breakdown of food into compost.
Venturing beyond conventional merchandise, Costco introduces an indoor pizza oven to its repertoire. While outdoor pizza ovens tend to be costly, the electric indoor models at Costco offer superior value, priced at approximately $400. These appliances deliver restaurant-quality pizza at your convenience, reaching temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a culinary experience distinct from regular ovens. Ideal for both entertaining guests and elevating weeknight dinners, these electric pizza ovens may lack the wood-burning element but compensate with impressive functionality.
For those with a penchant for culinary extravagance, Costco surprises shoppers with the opportunity to purchase large wheels of authentic Italian cheese. Presenting a 72-pound Parmesan cheese wheel at nearly $950, this imported delicacy from Italy is aged for a minimum of two years, adhering to stringent Italian standards. In comparison to other retailers selling similar cheese wheels for nearly $3,000, Costco provides an enticing and cost-effective option.
Addressing a broader spectrum of consumer needs, Costco proves to be a resource for emergency preparedness. Beyond offering essential items like flashlights, batteries, water bottles, and backup generators, Costco stocks emergency food kits that require only the addition of water. Featuring dozens of servings and boasting a shelf life exceeding 10 years, these food pouches serve not only the purposes of emergency prepping but also prove valuable for camping, hiking, and large events.
In the realm of holiday feasts, Costco extends its offerings beyond the conventional turkey and ham roasts to present a truly unique item—a complete ham leg. This distinctive product features the renowned Iberico Bellota Ham, celebrated as the finest variety globally. Weighing slightly over 15 pounds, Costco’s rendition includes an elegant stand for presentation and a specialized carving knife. The Iberico Bellota Ham, valued at over $900 in alternative markets, is available at Costco for a saving of at least $300, affirming the warehouse’s commitment to delivering exceptional and cost-effective culinary experiences.