Costco Clearance Guide: Here’s Everything You Need to Know In-Store and Online

Posted on November 8, 2024

by Nikole Stewart

Costco already has some of the lowest prices in town. But with the added benefit of several items on clearance, saving money is even easier.

Whether you’re new to Costco or just need a refresher before shopping, we’ve compiled the ultimate Costco clearance guide to help you learn how to save even more. From in-store to online sales, learn everything there is to know about clearance items at Costco below.

If you want to be the first to read our exclusive content and hear about new Costco deals, sign up for our email list here.

Does Costco Have a Lot of Sales?

For those who don’t already know, it can feel like Costco has infinite sales. Costco is constantly putting items at a discounted price and even has dedicated clearance items in which deals last for an entire month (or until supplies last).

Some clearance sales are scheduled, while others are randomly selected depending on the store manager. This is because clearance usually leads to freeing up space in the store, which needs to happen every now and then. As a result, Costco creates a treasure-hunt experience for shoppers keeping an eye out for hidden gems on sale.

Where to Find Clearance Items?

If you’re roaming the aisles of Costco and can’t seem to find the sales, then you might have better luck online. Most in-store items are not in a centralized location but are seen throughout the warehouse. However, the insider scoop is that a lot of hidden deals can be found tucked away at the end of an aisle on a cart or even around the perimeter walls.

Another pro tip is that the online store has a section called “Offers.” This is where you can find the best deals and clearance items.

Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Costco Discounts

Everything to Know About the Coupon Books

One thing that all Costco members should know is Costco shares a monthly Coupon Book. We at Costco97 will always highlight key deals from each Coupon book, keeping you abreast of all monthly updates. These booklets last for about three weeks on average — until the next month’s edition comes out.

Costco releases these books about a week or two in advance so you have time to figure out what you want most. Costco members have access to a wide range of products that get major discounts. Plus, these coupons apply to both in-store and online inventory.

The items include electronics like TVs or laptops, household essentials like dish soap or body wash, as well as must-have food items like protein bars and frozen dinners.

Coupon books also come out before major events, such as Black Friday, which includes sales on big-ticket items like appliances and gadgets. These books are typically sent in the mail to prepare you for the deals, or you can keep checking back here for all things Costco coupons.

If you want to be the first to read our exclusive content and hear about new Costco deals, sign up for our email list here.

More About In-Store Clearance

Finding in-store clearance items can feel like a crazy, but exciting scavenger hunt. While there’s not a single section for clearance items, you can find them by walking through the aisles. So what should you know when perusing the store?

Price Tag Meanings

Price tags are a lesser-known key to understanding Costco clearance. In fact, the price tag can even show hidden sales that Costco doesn’t necessarily announce.

Our Costco guide to price tags can break down the information more, but simply put: there are five markings on a price tag to indicate whether it’s on sale.

For instance, any price tags that end in .97 — like $3.97, or $199.97 —- are usually limited-time deals created by Costco store managers to get rid of a remaining item. These items most likely won’t come back to that warehouse, so it’s best to stock up quickly. Other meanings include price tags with an asterisk (*), which represent discontinued products that won’t be returning either.

When Do Certain Seasonal Items Go on Sale?

Shopping on seasonal items at Costco is always affordable, but it’s nice to know when to expect these products to hit the warehouse and online store. Thankfully, we have a clearance calendar that can give you a better idea of monthly and seasonal sales to anticipate.

For instance, to prepare for the spring and summer seasons, February is the month that outdoor items, like patio furniture, and gardening supplies are available. July is when you see most indoor home furniture, like sofas and rugs.

As for holiday items? You’re looking at Costco rolling out Christmas items as early as August, especially for wrapping paper and ribbons.

Also read: How to Check Costco Inventory?

Costco97 Helpers

Shopping clearance can be even easier with the help of your fellow Costco members. Want to find a hidden clearance item at your local Costco? Check Costco97’s location guide to find what your fellow shoppers have found.

And if you’ve come across a crazy deal and want to share, you can submit a post yourself. This is a great way to help each other save money and snag up amazing bargains. But keep in mind that what’s on sale at one location might not be on sale at another. That’s part of the fun: unexpected finds!

More About Online Clearance

In-store shoppers don’t get all the fun though. If you enjoy shopping online, then you’re in luck. Costco has a great selection of clearance items as well that can be delivered right to your door.

Markdown Mondays

The online-only deals that you can find are called Markdown Mondays. This is an exciting option because non-members have a chance to shop these deals as well.

While there is a surcharge of 5% for non-members to order items, the discounts are usually worth the extra price. These items are essentially items on Costco.com that end in the price of $.97 for that week. Many customers love that online shopping can be accessible to sales too.

When to Shop Clearance Items

Don’t let those clearance items slip away by shopping at the right time for the best deals. The best times to shop at Costco for deals are at the end of each season when Costco marks down several seasonal items to make way for new inventory.

At the end of big events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you can find additional discounts on items that might not have sold as planned.

Don’t forget that shopping on weekday mornings will be less busy, which can be even better for discovering deals. For that reason, you might find some unexpectedly discounted items and beat others to the punch.

If you love Costco like we do, you probably enjoy the hunt for extra savings. Nothing beats the rush of finding the last remaining product of a popular secret sale! Don’t forget to share with us when you find amazing clearance items. Our Costco97 readers will want to hear about it, so they can check their local stores too.

Read more: Best Costco Deals Right Now