In an age when groceries and household essentials are frustratingly expensive, consumers are trying to find ways to get their hands on their favorite products for less. And Costco has long been hailed as a source for affordable buys.
That doesn’t mean Costco’s inventory is limited to budget-friendly items. A look at Costco’s jewelry selection will reveal that the warehouse club giant isn’t afraid to dabble in higher price points.
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Electronics are another area where Costco isn’t afraid to aim high. Costco sells several TVs in the $2,199.99 to $3,499.99 range.
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Members will often specifically try to buy higher-end items at Costco to benefit from the store’s superior return policy and commitment to customer satisfaction. TVs, for example, are eligible for a 90-day return window at Costco, which far beats many competitors’ windows.
Sometimes, Costco will also find a way to offer higher-end products at heavily discounted prices. It’s these opportunities that make Costco’s membership fees worth paying.
Costco has a fantastic deal for bourbon enthusiasts.
Costco’s mindful approach to inventory
Costco’s leadership team knows that a big thing the store’s members value is the treasure hunt.
Ron Vachris, Costco President and CEO, talked up the treasure hunt on a 2024 earnings call. “You’ve heard the phrase, ‘people come in to spend $100 and walk out with $300.’ That’s because our buyers and our operators do a great job in making the warehouses exciting,” he said.
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The reason Costco’s inventory is constantly evolving is that the warehouse club giant knows it needs to keep things interesting to retain members.
However, Costco is always mindful of pricing when introducing new products. It typically won’t sell a given item unless it can offer exceptional value on its price. This also explains why Costco’s inventory can vary from market to market.
Costco fans uncover a spectacularly good deal
Not every Costco store is allowed to sell liquor, as that hinges on state and local laws. Some Costco locations have an impressive liquor department with products across a range of price points.
This year, some California Costco members are rejoicing over their latest find — a King of Kentucky 2024 Single Barrel for $260. The coveted bourbon normally sells on the secondary market for an astounding $2,000.
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King of Kentucky dates back to 1881. It was acquired by Brown-Forman in 1936 before being discontinued and then revived in 2018.
Since then, King of Kentucky has released a new bottle every year from its single barrel inventory. And as is the case with any item in short supply, demand tends to be huge.
The 2024 Single Barrel release found at Costco is reportedly more widely available than previous iterations, with 5,100 bottles produced compared to just 3,800 the year before. But it’s still a highly coveted item among bourbon enthusiasts.
Not surprisingly, fans took to Reddit to celebrate the fact that it was spotted on Costco’s shelves.
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“Legitimately a once in a lifetime kind of find,” one fan wrote. Another wrote, “The whiskey gods are sometimes very generous.”
Of course, some fans expressed disappointment that they didn’t find the prized bottle at their local Costco stores – or even in their general markets.
The 2024 King of Kentucky release is aged 16 years and bottled at 130.4 proof (65.2% alcohol by volume). It features notes of cherry, vanilla, caramel, bitter chocolate, oak, and wood spice.
In addition to Kentucky, bourbon fans in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas should be on the lookout for the 2024 release. It’s also being sold in the New York metropolitan area.Â
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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