Costco's treasure-hunt aisles have a rhythm, and late summer is one of the loudest beats.
The warehouse giant is clearing patio furniture, grills, and summer apparel to make room for holiday inventory.
That means markdowns of 30% to 50% on items that were full price just weeks ago.
The catch: quantities are limited, and once a pallet sells out, it rarely comes back.
Here's how to read the price tags like an insider.
Costco code numbers ending in .97 mean the item is on clearance at that specific store.
A .00 ending signals a manager's markdown, often the deepest cut.
An asterisk in the top right corner means the item is discontinued and won't be restocked.
If you see a .97 with an asterisk, that's your cue to grab it now, not next week.
The biggest savings this month are landing in three departments.
First, outdoor furniture and grills, where floor models and display units are often discounted an extra 20%.
Second, small kitchen appliances, as new models arrive for fall.
Third, bulk paper goods and cleaning supplies, which rarely go on sale but are seeing modest cuts during the seasonal reset.
None of these are advertised, so you have to walk the aisles to find them.
Costco's rotisserie chicken, eggs, butter, and olive oil remain among the cheapest per-unit prices in most markets.
But some items have crept up over the past year, and not every bulk buy is a bargain.
If you live alone or have a small family, a five-pound bag of spinach or a gallon of mayo can spoil before you finish it.
Buying in bulk only saves money if you actually use what you buy.
Costco raised annual fees in 2024, with Gold Star now at $65 and Executive at $130.
If you're not spending enough to earn back the Executive upgrade through the 2% annual reward, the math may not work in your favor.
The break-even point is roughly $3,250 in annual spending, so check your reward check before renewing.
One more tip that regulars swear by: shop on weekday mornings.
Samples are fresher, aisles are emptier, and employees have time to check backstock for you.
Sometimes there's a pallet in the back that hasn't been opened yet.
That single question has saved shoppers hundreds.
Finally, watch for the instant savings book that drops each month.
Those coupons are applied automatically at checkout, so you don't need to clip anything.
Stack them with clearance .97 prices when possible, and you can walk out with items at 60% off retail.
Just don't let the low price talk you into a 48-pack of something you'll never finish.
The bottom line: Costco deals reward shoppers who know the code, walk the store, and buy only what they'll use.
A discount on something you don't need is still money spent.
Final Thoughts
Go in with a list, check the tag endings, and let the warehouse do the rest.