If you don’t yet have a Costco membership and you want one – you may want to get on that before the membership fees increase. Costco has announced that as of September 1st, 2024, its membership fees will go up for Canada and the United States.
This is the first price increase on Costco memberships since June 2017. That’s 7 year’s ago!
Individual, business, or business add-on memberships will go from $60 to $65 a year this fall. Along with its higher-tier Executive Membership going up from $120 to $130.
Although there’s no way to avoid the increase, if you’re not yet a member and sign up now, you can avoid it until your yearly renewal. And right now, there’s a limited-time offer going on.
Even though the price increase isn’t anything super drastic, Costco shares that it will affect around 52 million memberships, a little over half of which are executive memberships.
Costco’s Gold Star membership (the most basic option) allows customers to shop at all Costco locations worldwide (there are currently 108 in Canada) and online, shop exclusive offers and discounts, get an annual 2% reward on qualified warehouse, online and Costco Travel purchases, and receive Costco’s magazine by mail. Plus it includes 2 membership cards – for you and someone in your household.
We can only hope that there Won’t be another price increase anytime in the near future!
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For everyone who loves jumbo-sized products and a great deal, you’re in luck. Costco just opened another location in Toronto and is celebrating with opening week savings!
The new Costco Wholesale location is at 2260 Islington Ave, in Northwest Toronto, in the Rexdale neighbourhood. And it’s huge!
“We have several locations in Toronto, and they’re quite busy. We felt that we needed another unit to make sure that we service our members properly,” says Marc-André Bally, Senior Vice-President & General Manager, Costco Wholesale Eastern Canada, to Retail Insider.
The 164,162 square feet location is Costco’s 21st location in the Greater Toronto Area. It includes a multi-level underground parking garage which holds 1,200 parking spots. Hopefully minimizing the common struggle of finding parking for Costco shoppers.
The new Costco Wholesale location will, like other Costcos, have a gas station, on-site bakery, fresh meat and rotisserie chicken, optical centre and optometrist, and other departments, such as apparel, technology, and so much more.
Now, let’s talk opening week deals. In honour of the new location opening, Costco Wholesale is celebrating with a bunch of savings on coveted products. Including $200 off a Samsung 55-inch TV, $60 off a La-Z-Boy Manager Chair, and $50 off an 11-piece GreenPan cookware set, to name a few.
To participate in the deals, you’ll have to have a Costco membership and shop in store. Sign up here if you don’t already have a membership.
This might just become our Costco Wholesale location of choice!
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Browsing the shelves at Costco can be a great time to load up on yummy food and treats at great prices. Of course, behind every business, there are always tips and tricks that should be used to make the most out of your experience. There are a ton of secrets that every dedicated shopper needs to know before stepping into the wholesaler, so we’ve got you covered.
Here are Things That Every Costco Shopper Should Know.
1. Share Your Membership Fee
The best way to instantly save at Costco is by splitting the upfront cost of a membership with a friend or family member who lives in the same household as you. This might seem like a no-brainer but this savings often goes overlooked amongst roommates.
2. Product Selections Vary by Store
No two Costco stores are identical. While the size and layout of stores may be similar, there are differences amongst the product assortments at various Costco locations. Therefore, if you see a new item (especially on an aisle end cap), make sure to grab it because there’s no guarantee that it’ll be available at another store. Pro tip: There are some amazing beauty brands that you can find discounted too.
3. Shop Kirkland Signature Products
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand. The quality of Kirkland brand items is pretty awesome, with Costco guaranteeing that products are at par or above the quality level of national brands, but for a lesser price. It’s a great idea for a gift – amazing quality yet reasonably priced.
4. Costco Concierge
Costco members can take advantage of free 24/7 tech support and an extended two-year warranty on electronics like televisions, projectors, major appliances, and computers (excluding tablets,) from the date of purchase with Costco Concierge Services. Who knew?
5. The Best Return Policy Ever
While Costco’s return policy clearly outlines the refund deadlines for items like electronics, installation services, and jewelry; the terms are much more flexible when it comes to returning all other items. Therefore, if you’re unsatisfied with a product, Costco has you covered. All of its purchase information is attached to your membership so that you can easily exchange or refund an item even without your original receipt. Gifts can be returned! Hurray!
6. The Best Times to Shop
As a Costco shopper, you need to know about the best time to shop. You’d be crazy if you expected to drive into a Costco parking lot with ease on a Sunday morning and comfortably find a free shopping cart. Although it’s inconvenient for most, the best times to shop at Costco are weekday mornings and early afternoons.
7. So Many Samples!
In the event that you do head to Costco on a weekend, be sure to take advantage of the yummy sample stations set up all along the aisles and in the bakery department, at some locations. Although, this definitely depends on whether there are restrictions set in place for the pandemic.
8. Costco Services
We bet that there’s A TON of services you didn’t realize Costco had – many of which are very beneficial to already existing and aspiring small business owners. Use your Costco membership to purchase discounted services such as logo designs and courier deliveries.
9. Online Shopping
Many Costco members don’t realize that they can access all of the savings perks they are used to, online at Costco.ca. While you won’t be able to order perishable items, you can certainly shop for everything from diamond earrings to gift certificates, all of which already include shipping and handling in the price so there are no additional fees.
10. Not a Costco Member?
Have someone else do the shopping for you but still reap the cost savings of a Costco membership. Toronto residents can benefit from a great delivery service that will take the ease out of Costco shopping while still delivering the club pack savings!
11. Missed A Sale On An Item You Bought? No Problem
Now, this is something that every Costco shopper needs to know! Even though Costco may not price match, it will however honour its own sale prices. If you purchased an item and then noticed it had a price cut within the 30 days of purchase, you can put in a request online to get the difference refunded.
12. Items Are Moved Around On Purpose
If you go into Costco and notice that your fave snack is always getting moved around, well that’s actually on purpose. Costco places inventory in different spots to create a “treasure hunt,” because they know that the more time you spend browsing the shelves, the more likely you’ll purchase other items. Keep this in mind if you notice this is happening to you!
13. Location, Location, Location
When entering Costco, only shop the front items if it’s something you really need or want because those tend to have the highest mark-up. The bargains that you’re searching for are always in the middle of the store or near the back.
14. Price Tags Have A Special meaning
Next time you head out to the wholesaler, keep an eye out for the prices. If the price ends in .97 it could mean that this item is on clearance. If it ends in .88 or .00 it means that it’s either a manager discount (which you should buy ASAP if you want it), a floor model, or a return. Any price that ends in a 9 then it means that it’s a manufacturer discount so you might want to wait and keep an eye out for more deals. Also, if you happen to see an asterisk (*) at the end of the price, then grab it right away because the item won’t be restocked.
15. A Costco Card Can Be Used All Over The World
Once you’re a Costco member in your country, you’re also one all over the world. So if you plan on traveling or heading out of your city and pass by a Costco, you’re welcome to go in and shop.
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Say hello to Costco delivered straight to your doorstep. At select locations across Canada, Costco has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day grocery delivery to its customers. If you haven’t heard of Instacart, it’s an application that allows individuals to browse your favourite groceries and get them delivered to your home.
now you can skip the lineups at Costco and order from select Costco stores. Your groceries can be delivered in as little as two hours from the order being placed.
This is amazing news for those who love to buy in bulk. The best part? You don’t even have to be a member to qualify for delivery! But if you are a member, you can also shop the members-only website to access member benefits.
The partnership was tested out earlier this year in a number of Ontario warehouses. With the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery services have become quite popular and an essential way for some people to get food. The test proved to be successful so now the partnership is expanding.
Delivery is open For meat, fresh fruits and veggies, seafood, frozen items, chips, cookies, and so much more.
Instacart’s Vice President, Andrew Nodes, said in a press release that, “we want to help retailers reach their customers when, where, and how they want to shop. With this launch, we’re extending the reach of Costco in Canada and making it possible for Costco members and non-members alike to access same-day delivery of Costco’s broad selection of groceries and goods.”
There are 76 participating Costco warehouses across Canada, so you can feel safe and comfortable when getting your home essentials during this uncertain time.
Check out the Instacart app and get your Costco favourites delivered right to your door.
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Face coverings have become essential in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Not only do they help us stay safe, but they help to keep others safe too. While it’s never been mandated that folks wear face masks when outside the house, it’s definitely a good idea. Especially now as many brands are creating reusable masks that won’t take from hospital stockpiles.
Costco has just announced that it’s recommended that all shoppers wear face masks when shopping to protect not only other customers, but employees too.
A statement on the Costco Canada website reads, “This recommendation does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing.”
Costco has taken many precautionary steps to help curb the spread of COVID-19 by suspending its legendary sample program.
In addition, the chain implemented early shopping hours for the elderly and those at risk of getting the virus.
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These days, news about COVID-19 is everywhere we turn, and for good reason. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic. However, WHO’s Director-General also said that it is controllable — urging countries to “strike a fine balance between protecting health, preventing economic and social disruption, and respecting human rights.”
Industries like travel, manufacturing, and luxury retail have felt the impact of the health emergency, and we’re now seeing larger companies take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of its employees, customers, and partners.
here is how six prominent companies and retailers have responded to the global health emergency.
Starbucks
While Starbucks plans to maintain regular operations at North American locations, they are taking precautionary measures and are ready to adapt at any moment. Starbucks EVP and CEO Rossann Williams stated in an open letter that the company has increased cleaning and sanitizing of locations and is providing staff with “scenario-based procedural information.”
On the customer side of things, Starbucks has paused the use of personal cups and “for here” wares, though the coffee chain will still honour the 10% discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup or asks for “for here” ware. In another open letter by Starbucks CEO and President Kevin Johnson, the company stated that store experience may be adapted to “limiting seating to improve social distancing, enable mobile order-only scenarios for pickup via the Starbucks App or delivery via Uber Eats, or in some cases only the Drive Thru will be open.” Each situation will be explored case-by-case and in a worst-case scenario, we could see stores close temporarily.
T&T Supermarkets
In order to address concerns raised by customers, T&T Supermarkets released a statement saying the company has taken “urgent action.” Tina Lee, the company’s CEO first promised that there would be “no surge pricing” at stores, however, due to high demand on tntsupermarket.com, shoppers may experience out-of-stock items. In stores, staff who have travelled to high impacted areas are self-isolating. The grocer has also increased cleaning and sanitizing for grocery carts and baskets and is providing hand sanitizer in high traffic areas for shoppers.
Costco
On March 7, Costco took precautions and put a hold on its food sample program. The program added unnecessary risk to both shoppers and employee safety. As of right now, there is no guaranteed date set for when the program will be reinstated. But with popularity amongst members, it’s likely to be reinstated when the global health concerns die down.
MEC
Everyone’s favourite outdoor store, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), is also taking extra safety precautions at this time. A spokesperson for the company told CTV News that MEC will be temporarily suspending its equipment rentals service. In addition, MEC is also suspending the use of its climbing and bouldering walls. However, stores will remain open and the retailer will be implementing “enhanced cleaning, limiting business travel, and promoting everyday preventative behaviours with our teams across the country.”
Tim Hortons
Like Starbucks, Tim Hortons has temporarily stopped its use of reusable ware. But more notable is the change that the company has made to its Roll Up The Rim To Win program. This year, the company has taken the contest digital, stating that given the current circumstances, “Tim Hortons does not believe it’s the right time for team members in our restaurants to collect rolled up tabs that have been in people’s mouths.”
Cadillac Fairview
The company that owns popular malls like Eaton Centre, Shops at Don Mills, Pacific Centre, and more released a statement addressing COVID-19 on March 12. Every property owned by the mall will increase the cleaning of washrooms, stairwells, elevators, lobbies, and employee common areas. Washrooms have new handwashing signage and all properties have increased hand sanitizer stations. Cadillac Fairview has also put a committee in place to coordinate efforts and has established a protocol with employees, tenants, and contractors should any of them be exposed to coronavirus.
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Say it ain’t so! It’s just been announced that Costco is ending its free sample program and, not going to lie, we’re incredibly bummed. Costco and free samples go together like peanut butter and jelly so it feels like the end of an era.
According to Red Flag Deals, this new change is due to the coronavirus global health emergency.
Because it’s due to Coronavirus, there’s no word on whether or not the bulk retailer’s free sample program will be reinstated when it’s eventually, and hopefully, blown over.
Costco’s free samples have already been put on pause at locations across the U.S. in states like Florida, California, and Washington State.
Free samples aren’t the only things you’ll have trouble finding at Costco. According to USA Today, the retailer is struggling to keep items like bottled water, disinfectants, and other critical supplies, like toilet paper, on store shelves.
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Despite being a go-to for groceries and all things bulk, it seems like we, as shoppers, sometimes overlook the power of Costco.
The retail giant has quietly championed the fashion space, stepped up its beauty game, and has even carved out a position in travel.
And now Costco has cemented its position as Canada’s second largest retailer.
According to retail analyst Amar Singh, who spoke with Retail Insider, Costco has bumped Walmart out of its spot on the retail chain and now comes second after Loblaws as Canada’s top retailers. The positioning now sets Costco ahead of grocers like Metro and Sobeys, as well.
Amar Singh attributes the bulk retailer’s success to its growing grocery presence and ability to still delivering “on its true value hunt experience which Canadians love.”
Costco is really a competitor. And what we forecast is that it is going to widen its gap to Walmart in terms of revenue. It’s going to dwarf Walmart over the next five years as well.”
Amar Singh, senior analyst on retail and ecommerce for Canada with Kantar
Another reason for why Costco is Canada’s second largest retailer is its positioning strategy, which has been very calculated. Costco has focused on urban centres and the suburbs, making it easily accessible to most Canadians. “On a per capita basis, Costco has a higher penetration in Canada versus the U.S.,” Singh says.
Additionally, while Canadians are known to love a good bargain, they’re also after quality, and that’s exactly what Costco provides.
Canadians are somewhat more adventurous than other shoppers because we’re open to non-traditional brands. We’re opening to experimenting and “are not married to brands” so long as we’re still getting good quality and benefits from products we seek.
While Costco is no stranger to brands, with its Kirkland brand, it’s able to make good quality product with low margins, and its private label has become a big money maker.
Memberships and membership renewals are also a big money driver.
Which is no surprise. The membership allows Costco to lower its margins on other items so that they can give value back to its members. Its gas stations and auto services also play a role in Costco’s attraction.
This quarter, Costco’s net sales were $46.45 billion.
That’s an increase of 7% from the same period last year. Its net sales for the fiscal year were $149.35 billion, which was also a growth from its last fiscal year.
With sales on the rise, you can bet that we’ll continue to see more Costco locations and more value-driven, high-quality products in-stores — a win for Canadian Costco members!
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The simplicity and convenience of online shopping is impossible to ignore. How great is shopping without leaving the comfort of your own home and getting it delivered right to your door?! The only downfall of shopping online is the dreaded shipping charges at checkout. Many retailers have a minimum spend you have to hit in order to receive free shipping, but we don’t think you should have the pressure to spend more of your hard-earned money to get a deal on shipping!
Here are 10 retailers that offer free shipping (within Canada) with no minimum order!
Apple
Let’s face it, Apple products generally aren’t cheap, and if you’re forking up a lot of money for a new gadget, the last thing you want to do is spend even more on shipping. We are pleased to share that Apple offers free shipping on its online orders! Not sure if you’ll be home to receive your tech goodies? You can choose to get your order shipped to your nearest Apple store.
Clinique
We love Clinique not only for its makeup, but also for its skincare! If you go directly to Clinique’s website to shop, you’ll get free shipping! While Clinique is available to shop at a variety of department stores, these shops might not necessarily offer free shipping, so if you want the deals, shop the brands site directly.
Costco
We all know and love Costco, as the store offers pretty much anything you could want and imagine in bulk. What more could we ask for? Free shipping! Costco offers free shipping on most of its inventory. If you can’t bear the thought of going without your Costco essentials, avoid the crowds and long lines by shopping Costco’s online store.
Hunter Boots
It’s officially fall, and that means it’s time to whip out some rain boots! Hunter Boots has you covered with some of the best rain boots around. Plus the brand’s cute and cozy Cuff Socks making its boots practical for winter. If you’re in the market for some rain boots or other apparel options Hunter carries, you won’t be slammed with shipping at checkout!
Lululemon
Lululemon is popularly known for its great work out gear, the brand is also known to be relatively on the pricier side of activewear. The reality is, sometimes you have to shell out for good quality, especially when it comes to amazing athletic wear like Lululemon offers. The good news is, Lululemon doesn’t making you pay for shipping when you shop its online store!
PUMA
While PUMA is well known for its sneakers, the brand has some great athletic apparel on its website that we recommend you take a look at. We love PUMA because the brand has some iconic and cute collabs, including the recent Puma X Maybelline collection. Shop to your hearts content because you can shop the site, and all of its collabs, free of shipping charges!
Smashbox
Smashbox is great mid-priced, cruelty-free brand that’s known for creating quality cosmetics. If you’re in search of some new products, but aren’t in the mood shipping charges, this is a site to check out.
SSENSE
SSENSE is a luxury retailer that carries tons of different designer labels. When you’re splurging and treating yourself to some new designer duds, the last thing you want to pay for is the dreaded shipping charge. The good news is that SSENSE has you covered, and has taken the shipping charge off your hands.
Stuart Weitzman
Luxury shoe brand, Stuart Weitzman is known for its quality and stellar product assortment. If you’re looking for a pair of well made shoes, skip shopping in-store and check out the brands online store. How great is it that you can save while you splurge as there’s no shipping charge!
VANS
We all are familiar with VANS, but did you know that you can shop the brands site free of shipping charges? That’s right — with zero shipping charges, you can shop your fave pair of sneakers without having to trudge through the mall.
Costco is a magical one-stop shop filled with free samples, bulk foods, and affordable clothing for the whole family. But one section that often goes overlooked is the big box retailer’s beauty department.
If you’re a beauty maven or skincare addict that’s lucky enough to have — or know someone that has — a Costco membership, I highly suggest you check it out the beauty department the next time you’re in-store! It has more to offer than jumbo sized Spectro cleansers and infinite deodorant sticks.
Each Costco is a little different, but what you’re guaranteed to find stocked on shelves are reputable beauty brands at prices that can’t be beat. I stopped by my local Costco store to see what treasures I could find and I wasn’t disappointed.
Here are 10 of the best beauty products Costco carries.
Batiste Instant Hair Refresh
Batiste is one of the most popular dry shampoos on the market, so when I found this set of dry shampoos, I was ecstatic! For just $12.99, you can score two full-size dry shampoos plus a mini to pack in your purse or travel bag.
Elizabeth Arden Millenium
As a staple in both your mom and your grandmother’s beauty bags, Elizabeth Arden is a no brainer when it comes to skincare. Individual moisturizers from the label can run you upwards of $92, but this three-piece set, which includes day cream, eye cream, and night cream, will only cost you $44.99 at Costco.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference
At the same price of $44.99, Costco also carries an Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference set that comes with two jars of Visible Difference and travel capsules. Online, the same set of the award-winning moisturizer will cost you $132 (without the travel capsules), so you’re getting much better value at Costco.
eos lip balms
Calling all lip balm addicts! If you’re like me and need a lip balm in every bag, purse, and pocket, head to Costco and pick up one of the two sets I found! For $14.99, you can get six of the classic round eos lip balms (regularly $4.24 each) in a variety of flavours. Or for $16.59, you can get eight stick lip balms (regularly $5.79 for two).
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
Beauty gurus rave about the lash magic L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise creates. Often considered a dupe for Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara, it makes sense why Costco would sell it in bulk. For just $23.99, you can get three tubes of the good stuff, which normally sells for $13.99 a tube on Well.ca.
L’Oréal’ Revitalift
Another night cream spotted on the shelves of Costco is the L’Oréal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming. For $29.99, you can add a double-sized jar to your beauty routine. A regular sized jar is $24.97 at Walmart, so it’s just $5 extra for an extra 50 mL at Costco.
Olay Complete
If you’re looking for a daily moisturizer that won’t break the bank, look no further than Olay Complete. This pack of two can be found at Costco for just $12.97. The moisturizer features Vitamin E and SPF 15, meaning that it’ll leave your face feeling soft and protect it from the sun.
Case Full Of Seoul
One of the best beauty products Costco carries is actually a case full of eight! Newly launched at Costco stores across Canada is Case Full Of Seoul, a starter pack of Korean beauty products from a variety of brands. Featuring popular labels like May Coop, 9wishes, and Urang, the kit has everything you need for your face including eye cream, cleanser, primer, serum, and more. The entire kit will cost you $149.99, but each individual product typically retails for $20 to $25, so it’s great value.
Marc Anthony 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
In addition to an amazing roster of skincare, you can also find shower essentials at Costco. The best duo the Costco I visited had on offer was a Marc Anthony combo of 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner set, which cost just $16.99.
Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes
I’m a big fan of the Kirkland brand and have never been disappointed by its quality! Perfect for taking off your makeup or a refresh after the gym, a box of 150 wipes will cost you just $15.99. The box comes with four packs of 30 and two packs of 15, so you can keep them at home, work, and in your everyday bag.
And while we’re on the topic of the Kirkland Signature, I should note that Kirkland actually has its own line of cosmetics called KS by Borghese.
While I haven’t tried any of the collection yet, it did look pretty interesting. From intensive eye serum and replenishing night cream, to lipstick crayons and volumizing mascara, the KS by Borghese brand is extensive and in-expensive — prices in the collection range between $21.99 and $26.99.
