When it comes to shopping at Costco, timing can be everything. Most of us rush to stock up on essentials before big celebrations, but if you can hold off until just after the holiday, you might land a serious deal. According to sources like Food Republic, Costco offers impressive post-holiday discounts on seasonal items that members typically scoop up in the days leading up to major events.
Costco’s Post-Holiday Sales: A Secret Savings Strategy?
Costco closes only seven times a year, on major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, making it one of the most reliable stops for holiday supplies in the days before. However, for those willing to wait a bit longer, discounts on items like Thanksgiving turkeys or Christmas desserts can be substantial right after the holiday has passed. One Reddit user even mentioned finding “high discounts on any food holiday-related that can be frozen. Even from their deli.”
Why does this happen? After the holiday rush dies down, products that are in demand beforehand suddenly drop off in popularity, meaning stores need to clear space on the shelves. Anything with a seasonal flavor or holiday design — think pumpkin pies, holiday cookies, and themed treats — is likely to be marked down significantly.
To spot these deals, keep an eye on Costco’s price tags. A price ending in .97 usually signals a markdown, so if you see this after a holiday, it’s a clear indicator of a deal.
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Fewer Crowds, Better Deals
One of the biggest headaches of Costco shopping around the holidays is, well, the crowd. Navigating packed aisles can make the experience overwhelming. But shopping the day after a big event might help you avoid some of the holiday shopping madness.
A Reddit user on r/Costco shared that December 26th at their local Costco was “routinely [really] empty,” with more employees than customers in the store. That said, crowd levels can vary by location and time of day, and some members report experiencing crowds even right after a holiday. Timing your visit can make all the difference, as can choosing a time of day when the store is less likely to be bustling.
Why Waiting to Shop Post-Holiday is Worth It
If you’re looking for discounted seasonal products and a calmer shopping experience, it could pay to wait until after the holiday to make your trip to Costco. The post-holiday markdowns can be significant, and with a little patience, you may find that the reduced prices and quieter aisles make it well worth it.
So next time a holiday is around the corner, consider holding off for just a bit. After all, those leftover pumpkin pies and turkeys aren’t going anywhere — but they might be a whole lot cheaper if you wait.