3 Underrated Sections in Costco Warehouses

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There are some areas of Costco you may be inclined to walk by. Here are three worth checking out. 

When I go to Costco, there are certain areas of the store that I tend to make a beeline for. I pretty much always need produce and fruit, and I usually hit up the dairy section to check milk and other essentials off of my grocery list.

I know a lot of people who shop at Costco prioritize certain aisles. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’ve yet to check out these underrated sections of Costco, you may want to give them a visit the next time you’re in the store.

1. The apparel section

You won’t find the same wide selection of apparel at Costco as you will at a department store. But Costco’s apparel section tends to change on a seasonal basis. And often, you’ll find great buys at affordable prices.

I was at Costco recently and scooped up a couple of warm women’s fleeces for under $15. I also grabbed rain jackets for my kids since they were on sale. Because my children are constantly losing things like that, it pays to stock up on extras when there are savings to be reaped.

If you’re looking for high-end business attire, Costco’s apparel section isn’t the right place to look. But if you could use some fall or winter staples, then it pays to check out the apparel section and see what you find.

2. The toy aisle

I’ll be the first to admit that I find Costco’s toy aisle a bit hit or miss. But when it’s a hit, it’s a big one.

A couple of years ago, when my daughters were really into the movie Frozen, I found these bundles of Frozen-themed art supplies that included multiple coloring books, markers, stickers, journals, and more.

Now, because this was a years-back purchase, I won’t pretend to remember what I paid. What I do remember, however, is paying a lot less for my Costco Frozen bundle than what it would’ve cost me to piece those items together from Target or Amazon.

That’s why I think the Costco toy aisle is worth a visit, especially around the holidays or if you have a child’s birthday coming up. You may not find the biggest selection, but sometimes, all it takes is one unique item to make that stop worth it.

3. The bakery

You might think that a bakery that mass-produces cake and bread on a daily basis won’t be any good. That would be wrong.

Not only are Costco bakery items fresh and delicious, but the prices really can’t be beat. A 12-pack of mega-muffins, for example, is just $9.99 at my local Costco (prices can vary by location).

Plus, Costco bakery items tend to rotate seasonally. In the fall, you’ll find amazing pumpkin streusel muffins and pie, for example.

It’s worth checking out the Costco bakery the next time you’re tasked with bringing a dessert item to a party or potluck. But do note that Costco’s bakery isn’t nut-free, and that even items without nuts in them may not be safe for those with allergies due to cross contamination.

You may be someone who prefers to stick to basics like groceries and household supplies at Costco. But if you’ve yet to check out the apparel, toy, or bakery section at Costco, then it could pay to stop by the next time you have a little extra time. You may be pleasantly surprised at the selection you find — not to mention the prices.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon.com and Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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