Menu x
x

Trending Stories

News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

Costco CEO Reveals the (Surprising) Items Customers Can’t Get Enough Of

Some big ticket items are the reason Costco is having a good 2024.

costco membership
By Lauren Gordon
Updated July 18, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

People have loved and adored Costco for many reasons over the years, but lately members are enjoying and buying the finer things in life. On an earnings call, CEO Ron Vachris reported that members are spending thousands on big-ticket items.

Sales for 2024 hit $52.39 billion in the third fiscal quarter, a significant increase from last year.  

"We see big and bulky going very well. It's been a year of our $1,200 swing set that we have on the floor," Vachris elaborated. "We can't get enough; they're just blowing out."

There are some pretty surprising things Costco customers are going crazy for. It's becoming more and more evident that saving at Costco on more than everyday groceries is pretty popular. Here's what people can't get enough of. 

Editor's Note: Prices vary depending on location and availability. 

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.


Kidcraft swing set

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz costco Kidkraft Summit View Swingset

Price: $1,200

On the floor, customers are always enticed and entranced by the elaborate displays. The huge swingset is a crowd favorite, and at this price, it is easy to see why. 

The set itself includes swings, an impressive twisty slide, and a climbable crow's nest clubhouse. The kids will never want to leave!

Over 50? Don't miss out on these massive discounts and financial resources.


Wagyu beef

Costco four slabsof wagyu beef from costco

Price: $129.00

People are unashamedly leveling up their BBQs with these delicious Wagyu ground beef packs. Available online to ship in 2 days, this beef is certified Japanese A-5, meaning its quality is pretty high. 

The packet comes with approximately 4 lbs of beef and is described as both "buttery and sweet."

Gold bars and silver coins

Costco gold bars costco

Price: Varies

When Costco introduced gold bars and silver coins, they probably didn't anticipate that they would be one of the top sellers in their business. The endeavor has brought in over $200 million, and apparently, stock goes within a few hours. 

The Wall Street Journal reported that bars have retailed for around $2,000.

Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now


Bottom line

jetcityimage/Adobe costco wholesale location

Overall, members can save thousands on luxury items and score them for an attainable price, thanks to Costco's strategy of keeping markups low and memberships rolling in. 

Some analysts predicted that this success would cause Costco to raise its fees. CFO Gary Millership denied that it was happening soon but did warn that they'd be going up "eventually." 

Still, shoppers can count on Costco to help them save money on groceries and other purchases. 

More from FinanceBuzz: