If you love saving money by buying in bulk, then there’s a good chance you already have a Costco membership card tucked in your wallet. Known for offering unbeatable value, Costco has become a go-to destination for everything from groceries and home essentials to electronics and clothing. But even if you think you know all the tricks to shopping smart at this warehouse giant, there’s one tiny detail you might’ve missed—something that could save you both money and frustration down the line. The secret? A little asterisk (*) printed on certain price tags. It might not seem like much, but once you understand what that symbol means, you’ll start paying much closer attention every time you shop.

You’ve probably experienced that classic Costco moment—wandering down an aisle and spotting a fantastic deal on something you didn’t even know you needed. The price is great, the quantity is generous, and you start wondering if you should stock up. Here’s where that small but mighty asterisk comes into play. According to smart shoppers and deal experts, like those at the Krazy Coupon Lady, an asterisk in the upper-right corner of a price tag is Costco’s subtle way of saying: “Hey, this item isn’t coming back.” That’s right—once it sells out, it won’t be restocked. Whether it’s being discontinued entirely or simply cycled out to make room for new inventory, that product is essentially on its farewell tour.

Costco is well-known for its constantly rotating inventory. One month, your favorite snack or household item is front and center, and the next, it’s replaced by something new. This ever-changing selection isn’t random—it’s part of Costco’s strategy to keep prices low and offerings fresh. Rather than stock every item year-round, Costco buys a limited supply of certain products and offers them for a short time. That allows them to negotiate better deals with suppliers, reduce overhead, and make room for seasonal or trending items. The asterisk is your inside scoop that something’s about to rotate out.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to panic every time you see an asterisk. Your favorite item might return someday, especially if it’s seasonal. But if you truly love it, or you know it’s something you use often, that little symbol is a nudge to buy it while you still can. It’s Costco’s polite way of saying, “Don’t wait—act now.”

This smart product rotation actually benefits us as shoppers. By constantly updating its stock, Costco keeps its shelves exciting and its pricing aggressive. You get to enjoy new finds every time you visit, and the company gets to pass supplier savings directly to you. It’s a strategy that helps Costco maintain its reputation for offering top-quality items at incredibly competitive prices. And as customers, we benefit not only from the savings but also from the thrill of discovering new products.

So how do you spot this elusive asterisk? Just glance up at the top right corner of the price sign. It’s subtle, easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but once you start noticing it, you’ll feel like a true Costco insider. It’s not marked with fanfare, no flashing lights or “last chance” stickers—just a tiny star silently signaling that time is limited.

And while we’re on the topic of Costco hacks, here’s another reason to keep your eyes peeled: an asterisk doesn’t necessarily mean an item is on sale, but it does mean the opportunity to buy it won’t last. So, if you’ve been thinking about grabbing that gourmet cheese, cozy throw blanket, or limited-edition coffee flavor, and you see the asterisk, you might want to toss it in your cart before it disappears.

The best part about this system? It keeps things interesting. No two Costco trips are exactly alike, and that’s a big part of the fun. The store’s ever-changing inventory keeps customers coming back for more, eager to see what new items have landed on the shelves.

So, the next time you’re pushing your oversized cart through the warehouse aisles, take a closer look at those price tags. That little asterisk could be your signal to buy now or risk missing out. It’s not a goodbye forever—it’s more like a limited-time offer in disguise. Costco’s rotation method ensures that while items may come and go, the savings and surprises never stop.