Here Are 10 Surprising Fun Facts About Costco
Savvy shoppers might know the ins and outs of the wonderful wholesaler, but there are a few fun facts about Costco that you might not know about. Costco has several tricks up its sleeve to encourage shoppers to spend more money and time at their stores.
Some fun facts about Costco have helped them save money, from avoiding advertisements. If you want to learn more and show your Costco fandom, then keep reading for the most interesting fun facts about Costco.
Related: Most Popular Costco Items Ever
10. Costco Doesn’t Spend Money on Advertisements
How did you hear about Costco? Definitely not by a TV or radio commercial, that’s for sure. While other retailers like Amazon and Walmart spend billions of dollars to advertise their stores, Costco saves money on advertising to ensure their prices stay as low as possible.
In 2013, co-founder and longtime CEO of Costco, Jim Sinegal, spoke about their disinterest in advertising the warehouse, opting for the cheapest option of simple word-of-mouth. While Costco does send coupons to members, they don’t advertise to the public, which makes their 127.9 million members an astonishing feat.
Want to stay up-to-date on Costco coupons and the latest deals? Watch our blog here as well for the best items to get at the lowest prices. And check back for the Costco Coupon Book (updated monthly).
9. They Have Everything for Funerals
While maybe not a ‘fun’ fact, it’s still helpful and interesting to know that Costco has everything you need to plan a funeral. Costco’s flower section has proven itself to be a great way to save on flowers for any occasion, even funeral flowers.
But did you know that Costco also carries a wide selection of caskets and urns as well? The coffins are shipped directly to the mortuary of your choice, which can be found easily in Costco’s funeral section.
8. And Is the Perfect Spot for Weddings
Costco is also a great spot for new chapters in life, too. One of the best fun facts about Costco is that they have everything you need for weddings as well, from rings to honeymoon options with travel packages and wedding gifts. But they also are a prime spot for an actual wedding ceremony.
Yes, you read that right. A California couple got married in the frozen aisle of a Costco back in 2014. They were surrounded by frozen proteins and desserts, gathered after hours with friends and family. The couple met while shopping the frozen foods at Costco and wanted to relive the moment during their happiest day. Who knows — you could find love too if you’re a dedicated Costco member!
7. Costco Messes with Shoppers
While Costco saves money on advertising, they do spend money in other ways. Costco knows how to set up its store to encourage you to buy more. They often set out large-ticket, luxury items like expensive handbags, barrels of high-quality alcohol, or premium wagyu beef, to release dopamine for shoppers.
Costco doesn’t expect everyone to snag these items, but the strategy is to excite shoppers who see them around the store. It is said that this pushes some people to splurge on other items they would usually avoid with a regular grocery list.
And if we’re talking about store design, then we should also talk about the way Costco sets up the aisles. Another one of the many surprising fun facts about Costco is that they carry household necessities toward the back of the store. So, by the time you’re grabbing produce or dairy, you already add miscellaneous deals to your cart. Not everyone is an impulse buyer, but with Costco’s many deals, this is certainly encouraged.
6. But They’re Great to Their Employees
Costco not only made its name for its great deals, amazing products, and overall fun experience but also because it’s one of the best places to work. For years Costco has been known for treating their employees well and having some of the best wages.
According to Marketing Scoop, Costco surpasses many retailers with their wages with an average of $18 for starting positions for cashiers or stockers ($5 more on average compared to other leading retailers like Walmart and Target which start at around $12 to $13). Not only do both full-time and part-time employees have ample health benefits from health insurance to paid time off, but they have a supportive work culture.
Check Out: Best Things to Buy at Costco for a Bargain
5. And They Accommodate All Their Shoppers
Costco goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating both its employees and their members. One of the prime examples of course is their return policy, however, one store works even harder than the rest to provide the best possible experience for their customers.
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, there’s a large Amish community. And to encourage more shoppers, Costco created a beautiful area in the parking lot for horses and buggies. It includes a rail to tie off their horse and even a roof to shield them from inclement weather. Costco was even nice enough to include this section close to the entrance for easy access.
4. Costco Is One of the Biggest Pizza Chains
How often do you grab a slice of pizza after walking around the Costco warehouse? Or even take a whole pie home for dinner? One of the fun facts about Costco is that they’re one of the largest pizza chains in the U.S.
Costco boasts over 600 locations nationwide, and with over 100 million members, that creates an amazing opportunity for revenue. Compare this to other popular chains like California Pizza Kitchen, which only has 140 locations, or Cici’s Pizza, with only 280, Costco has them beat.
3. Also One of the Largest Car Dealers
While the food court is impressive, their car program might be even more shocking. Another fun fact about Costco is that they are one of the biggest car dealers in the nation. Their car program is great, with fixed prices negotiated by Costco Auto Program employees.
Though Costco doesn’t sell cars, its program helps connect members to cars and has slowly become one of the top sellers in the United States, as over 2 million vehicles have been purchased in the past five years. This, along with Costco’s helpful auto services from oil changes to gas stations, make Costco one of the best stores.
2. Costco Is a Star
One of the most surprising fun facts about Costco is that the store has appeared on the big and small screen several times! It’s safe to say that Costco is famous for several reasons, from being the talk of the town no matter where you live to having celebrities visit the warehouse.
But appearing in TV shows and movies takes it to a whole other level. Some of the most famous scenes include Tony and Phil walking around Costco in The Sopranos and getting a feature in the 2006 movie Idiocracy. Even hit adult animation, The Simpsons, has referenced Costco several times.
1. You Can Even Enjoy a Meal While Shopping
Our favorite fun fact about Costco, and a popular one among other Costco members is the ability to indulge in treats while roaming the aisles. Another sales strategy, along with their store design, features the free samples they give out to members. This is just another way to encourage shoppers to buy a product they might normally pass by.
Providing free samples might seem like a loss, but it really helps the store build more sales in the long run. So the next time you’re at Costco, why not grab a few samples for a yummy meal and find a hidden gem you might not have realized was there?
Read More: Things Every First-Time Costco Shopper Should Buy
