Costco opens new store with double the selection that shoppers won’t find at other locations across the US

According to The Sun, Costco’s newest location in Napa Valley has wine enthusiasts buzzing as it opens with the largest wine collection of any Costco in the United States. The store, which also features a variety of rare spirits, including premium whiskey and Tequila, attracted hundreds of eager shoppers who lined up around the block to get a first look.

“We have over 174 SKUs here, which is almost double what we had in Lodi,” said Tim Stone, general manager of the Napa store. “The wine selection is insane,” he shared with Napa Valley Features.

Costco Shoppers Share Pricing Tips

Meanwhile, savvy Costco members have been sharing their insights on Reddit about how to spot upcoming sales and clearance items. In a recent post, a shopper noticed two slightly different prices on a refrigerator and asked about the difference. Costco enthusiasts quickly responded, explaining the significance of Costco’s pricing codes.

One user clarified that items marked with an asterisk are not restocked at that warehouse, while prices ending in .97 often indicate clearance deals. “Original pricing for the Midea 4.5 was $149.99,” another member pointed out, adding that the asterisk alone does not necessarily mean the item is on sale.

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New Membership Policy Leaves Some Members Frustrated

Costco’s updated membership card policy, implemented in phases starting in late August, requires members to scan their cards upon entry at some locations. Emilio Gonzalez, a member in Winter Springs, Florida, voiced his frustration on Facebook after discovering a scanner at the entrance of his local store.

Gonzalez noted that this new setup could deter non-members from accessing the store’s popular food court, which has been a Costco staple since the 1980s.

Costco’s Iconic $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Lives On

The Costco food court originated in San Diego in 1984, when the retailer hired a hot dog vendor to serve customers. Decades later, the famous hot dog combo remains available for just $1.50 across the country, a tradition that has delighted customers for years.