Costco Liquidation Stores: Unveiling Hidden Gems for Savvy Shoppers
While Costco is known for its value and variety, many savvy shoppers might not be aware of an even more lucrative avenue for savings: Costco liquidation stores. These hidden gems offer an incredible range of products at significantly reduced prices, many of which were originally Costco returns. In this guide, we will delve into what Costco liquidation stores are, how to find them, the types of products and brands they carry, and the potential savings you can reap.
What Exactly Are Costco Liquidation Stores?
Costco liquidation stores are outlets that sell products Costco could NOT sell in their main stores.
These items can include overstock, returned goods, discontinued products, or seasonal items.
While these products are no longer sold at regular Costco warehouses, they are still available at liquidation stores at drastically reduced prices.
PRO TIP: COSTCO RETURN POLICY LEADS TO GREAT LIQUIDATIONS
Because Costco takes back everything, they send a ton of products to liquidation. For consumers this is a good thing as these Costco return stores are filled to the brim with good deals. I’ve seen nice pot and pan sets that appeared to maybe be used one time, furniture that appeared brand new, and even food items like protein bars and snack items. All being sold at 50% – 90% off the original Costco price.
How to Find Costco Liquidation Stores
Finding a Costco liquidation store isn’t as straightforward as locating a regular Costco warehouse, but with a bit of research, you can uncover these treasure troves.
Here are a few strategies to help you find them:
1. Online Search: Start with a simple online search for “Costco liquidation stores near me” or “Costco surplus stores”. This can help you identify any nearby outlets.
2. Liquidation Marketplaces: Websites like Liquidation.com and B-Stock Solutions often list Costco liquidation auctions. These platforms sell bulk lots of Costco merchandise to both businesses and individual consumers.
PRO TIP: GET SOCIAL & ASK COSTCO EMPLOYEES
The best way to find a Costco liquidation store is to ask an employee at your local Costco warehouse. They often have information on where excess inventory and returns are sent or if there are any affiliated liquidation stores in the area.
3. Social Media and Forums: Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and local community forums can be valuable resources. Join groups or discussions focused on discount shopping or liquidation deals where members often share tips and locations.
4. Local Retail Listings: Check local business directories and retail listings for surplus or liquidation stores in your area. These stores might not always advertise their connection to Costco explicitly, so keep an eye out for descriptions like “discount retail” or “warehouse outlet.”
See Also: How to Find Amazon Liquidation Stores and Save a BOAT Load of Money
What Store Names Should You Look For?
When looking for these stores in your neck-of-the-woods, ANY store name that include the words “liquidation”, “bins”, “surplus”, or “wholesale outlet” is a great place to start.
To give you an idea, here are some actual names of Costco liquidation stores:
– Bargain Bins
– STORE NAME “Wholesale Outlet”
– Overstock Outlet US
– Falling Prices
– Liquidation Depot
– Last Chance
– Oliver’s Liquidation Discount Store
Can You Find These Store Online Too?
Yes.
In recent years, online Costco liquidation stores have been popping up and they provide some great values, especially if you’re looking to buy in bulk and want resell the items for a profit.
Here are a few to check out:
Products and Brands You Can Find
Costco liquidation stores carry a vast array of products, reflecting the diversity of items sold in regular Costco warehouses.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of products and brands you can expect to find:
Electronics
– Televisions: High-end brands like Samsung, LG, and Vizio.
– Computers and Accessories: Laptops, monitors, and peripherals from brands such as HP, Dell, and Logitech.
– Smart Home Devices: Items like smart speakers, security cameras, and home automation products from brands like Google, Amazon, and Nest.
Home Goods
– Furniture: Sofas, dining sets, and bedroom furniture from brands like Sealy, La-Z-Boy, and Thomasville.
– Appliances: Kitchen appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, and microwaves from brands like KitchenAid, Ninja, and Cuisinart.
– Home Décor: Rugs, lighting fixtures, and decorative items.
Clothing and Accessories
– Apparel: Casual and formal wear for men, women, and children from brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Levi’s.
– Shoes: Footwear from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Skechers.
– Accessories: Bags, hats, and jewelry.
See Also: What’s a Target Salvage Store? (PLUS How to Find One Near You)
Groceries and Consumables
– Non-perishables: Canned goods, cereals, snacks, and beverages.
– Household Items: Cleaning supplies, paper products, and personal care items.
Seasonal Items
– Holiday Decorations: Christmas trees, lights, and Halloween costumes.
– Outdoor Gear: BBQ grills, patio furniture, and garden tools.
How Much Savings Can You Get?
The primary allure of Costco liquidation stores is the potential for substantial savings.
Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to save on different categories of products:
Electronics
Electronics can often be found at 20-50% off retail prices. This includes items like televisions, laptops, and smart home devices.
The discounts can be even steeper during clearance events or special promotions.
Home Goods
Furniture and appliances are typically marked down by 30-60%. Given the high-ticket nature of these items, the savings can be significant.
For instance, a $1,000 sofa might be available for $500 or less.
Clothing and Accessories
Apparel and accessories can be discounted by 40-70%.
This makes it possible to score designer jeans, branded shirts, and stylish footwear at a fraction of their original cost.
Groceries and Consumables
Savings on groceries and consumables can vary, but you can generally expect discounts of 10-30%.
While this might not seem as dramatic as other categories, the savings add up over time, especially for bulk purchases.
Seasonal Items
Seasonal items often see the BIGGEST discounts, ranging from 50-80%.
This is because retailers aim to clear out these items quickly once the relevant season or holiday has passed.
See Also: 12 Legit Reasons Why Some Shoppers Hate Costco Wholesale
6 Tips for Shopping at Costco Liquidation Stores:
To maximize your savings and ensure a successful shopping experience at Costco liquidation stores, consider the following tips:
1. Inspect Items Carefully: Since some items may be returns or slightly damaged, always inspect them for any defects or issues.
Check electronics for functionality and examine furniture for any visible wear and tear.
2. Check Return Policies: Liquidation stores often have different return policies compared to regular retail stores, and are often FINAL SALE.
Make sure you understand the store’s policy before making a purchase, especially for high-value items.
3. Visit Frequently: Inventory at liquidation stores changes frequently.
To catch the best deals, visit regularly and keep an eye on new arrivals.
4. Be Flexible: You might not always find exactly what you’re looking for.
Be open to alternative brands or slightly different models to take advantage of the best deals.
5. Bulk Buying: If the store allows, consider buying in bulk.
This can lead to even greater savings, especially for non-perishable items and household goods.
6. Haggle: In some liquidation stores, prices might be negotiable.
Don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal, particularly if you’re buying multiple items or high-value products.
Ask the Reader: Have you found a Costco liquidation store near you? If so, how were you able to locate it…word of mouth, Google search, or something else? Let me know!
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)