Looking to save big at Costco? Discover how clearance deals can unlock massive savings this season.
Inside Costco Clearance Sales
Costco has become synonymous with bulk savings, but savvy shoppers know the real treasures lie in its clearance aisles. The retailer’s clearance deals often deliver discounts up to 90% off, rivaling seasonal blowouts at major competitors like Walmart or Target. These sales aren’t relegated to old products no one wants. Instead, they span premium electronics, designer goods, home essentials, and even seasonal outdoor furniture. By closely monitoring clearance events, both in-store and online, shoppers routinely walk away with top-tier goods at a fraction of their original price. And while many sales are temporary, inventory rotation means there’s always new stock making its way to the clearance section. Costco’s strategy here is efficient: they maximize warehouse space while giving members a chance to score bargains they won’t find anywhere else.
Mastering the 90% Off Strategy
The holy grail of Costco clearance lies in the rare but life-changing 90% off markdowns. While not an everyday occurrence, these massive savings are strategically offered to clear out inventory at the end of product cycles or after seasonal peaks. For example, patio furniture sets worth $1,200 have been slashed down to below $150, while high-end brands like Samsung and LG have had select electronics deeply discounted as new models roll in. Understanding how to identify the price codes is key—the infamous asterisk on the shelf tag means the product won’t be restocked. Pairing this knowledge with patience allows shoppers to target goods with potential further markdowns. With competition tight, it often pays to act quickly. Leveraging a Costco Anywhere Visa card for these purchases can also add extra cash back, enhancing overall savings on these ultra-clearance opportunities.
Finding Costco Clearance Deals
Clearance finds at Costco aren’t just about luck; they reward those who understand the system. In-store, you’ll want to scout end caps and corner sections of warehouses where clearance items are reallocated. Online, Costco’s digital storefront has become increasingly robust in highlighting special offers and clearance buys. Searching specifically under the “While Supplies Last” category can unearth hidden gems including Dyson appliances, Nike activewear, and even travel packages at steep discounts. The beauty of clearance deals is their unpredictability—shoppers should practice flexibility and focus on spotting high-value categories rather than fixating on one item. Many savvy customers set up notifications or browse during late hours when restocks are made visible. Costco thrives on member loyalty, so the clearance deal strategy becomes a reward for those consistently checking both physical and digital platforms for bargains.
Clearance Sales Online Advantages
For those who prefer shopping from home, Costco’s online clearance deals pack surprising punch. The platform regularly updates with limited-time sales, some of which are exclusive to digital shoppers. This means shoppers can often catch brands like KitchenAid, Bose, or Sealy mattresses at highly competitive prices not found in the warehouse. Online clearance items also often include free delivery, creating a compounded savings factor. Beyond convenience, shoppers gain access to a wider inventory spread than in most regional warehouses, as Costco can draw from nationwide stock. Plus, return policies remain generous; Costco’s satisfaction guarantee means online clearance purchases come with peace of mind, minimizing risk. Searching frequently and toggling between product categories like appliances, fitness gear, and seasonal décor will ensure you never miss a major online markdown. With inflation squeezing household budgets, online clearance sales have become an indispensable tool for deal-conscious families.
Best Deals at Costco Right Now
While clearance deals fluctuate, certain categories consistently stand out with unbeatable pricing. Electronics always garner attention, with brands like Apple and LG becoming clearance staples during product cycle transitions. Costco’s home essentials also frequently hit clearance shelves—think Tempur-Pedic pillows, Shark vacuums, and Cuisinart cookware. In the apparel category, top deals emerge seasonally when items like Columbia jackets or Adidas sneakers are marked down heavily. Costco’s thriving health and wellness vertical, spanning vitamins and fitness accessories, also sees routine clearance markdowns. Food, while trickier, sometimes features unique gourmet or imported products at bargain prices near the end of their promotional shelf life. The best strategy here is to cross-check between store and online platforms since inventory and deals aren’t always identical. By continually scouting, shoppers can uncover incredible bargains on must-have products that would normally strain budgets elsewhere.
Unlocking Costco Patio Clearance
One of the hottest clearance segments at Costco each year falls under seasonal patio and outdoor living. Once summer winds down, furniture sets, umbrellas, grills, and outdoor lighting undergo dramatic markdowns. This is when premium collections that initialed thousands of dollars can sell for a few hundred. Renovation-minded homeowners use this time to upgrade backyards without breaking the bank. Top brands like SunVilla or Agio offer durable, stylish sets that can transform any space but are otherwise cost-prohibitive at full price. The clearance sales let members elevate their outdoor lifestyle affordably. Shoppers planning ahead can even stock up for the next season at deep discounts, storing high-value patio gear until warmer months return. Timing is crucial—these items are bulky, limited in quantity, and sought-after by thousands of members nationwide. The best patio clearance finds rarely last long, making early action indispensable.
Insider Tips for Smart Shoppers
Clearance shopping at Costco isn’t random—it rewards attentive and informed behavior. First, always check the price tag signs: prices ending in .97 are classic markers of clearance deals, while an asterisk indicates products won’t return. Building strong store relationships with staff can also be invaluable, as employees often know when restocks or markdowns are coming. Frequent visits yield better success since deals rotate quickly. Online shoppers should make use of Costco’s email alerts and broader deal aggregator apps to catch new listings. Additionally, comparing prices with Amazon or Best Buy ensures you’re genuinely scoring the best value possible. Maximizing credit card perks, such as extended warranties or cash-back bonuses, also enhances savings. Think of clearance shopping as a skill—it sharpens over time as you combine patience, observation, and strategy.
Timing Your Clearance Hunt
The timing of a clearance hunt can mean the difference between a jaw-dropping bargain and walking away empty-handed. End-of-season transitions—summer to fall, or holiday to new year—are powerful opportunities for breakthroughs. Inventory-heavy periods like January often yield exceptional clearance as retailers reset for spring. Many shoppers strategize their visits around weekdays, when crowds are lighter and stock is less picked over. Online, early morning and late-night browsing frequently turn up hidden restocks before they sell out. Costco also revisits major clearance pushes around holiday weekends, including Labor Day and Memorial Day, when high-ticket items like appliances see markdowns. Timing is less about luck and more about aligning with Costco’s operational rhythm. By syncing shopping habits with these cycles, deal hunters gain a decisive advantage over casual members.
Maximizing Savings with Memberships
To unlock the full benefit of clearance finds at Costco, understanding membership dynamics is crucial. Executive Membership, though costlier, can return substantial value through the 2% annual cash back, particularly if leveraged with clearance purchases. Frequent clearance hunters can easily offset the membership price by capturing ongoing markdowns. Adding a Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi brings additional perks like gas rewards, restaurant benefits, and extended warranty coverage on electronics cleared out of stock. These layered savings mechanisms create a powerful framework for households to cut costs meaningfully. Sharing memberships across households or splitting purchases with family strengthens the collective benefit further. Clearance items, especially at 70-90% off, paired with these financial perks, turn each shopping trip into a strategic opportunity for long-term value.
Why Costco Clearance Wins Big
Costco’s clearance edge lies in its scale and constant demand to refresh inventory. Unlike traditional retailers bogged down with stale stock, Costco’s rotation ensures clearance items remain relevant and desirable. Adding trusted brand names, quality assurance policies, and the option to shop online or in-store creates a compelling clearance ecosystem no other retailer fully matches. For consumers, it translates into confidence that big-ticket purchases—whether it’s a Samsung television, patio dining set, or premium vacuum—carry both massive markdowns and strong behind-the-scenes guarantees. In a climate where consumers prioritize cost savings without sacrificing quality, Costco clearance wins every time. Clearance shoppers aren’t just finding random bargains; they’re tapping into a system uniquely designed to deliver value on premium goods with unparalleled consistency.