Veteran Costco shoppers are familiar with the limited-run vendor roadshows for high-end (but heavily discounted) items like Vitamix or Traeger grills that liven up Costco warehouses, particularly on weekends.
The “surprise treasure” nature of these offerings flesh out the private label Kirkland Signature brand of products that draw shoppers in regularly. But Costco is employing a similar strategy in an out-of-the-way online portal of its website. It’s called Costco Next, and it contains a curated selection of limited goods Costco says are supplied by “some of Costco’s most trusted suppliers.” They’re mostly in the home goods, tech, fashion and outdoors realms – a hodgepodge of retailers you might know and some you probably don’t.
To let the warehouse giant explain it, “this innovative approach helps us achieve our goal of bringing a broader selection of goods to our members while increasing the value of the Costco membership.” That’s a smart play, considering Costco is due for a rise in its annual membership fees much like Amazon boosted its membership fees.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger’s expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger’s expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Costco Next isn’t new. It’s been around since 2017. Lately, however, Costco has been adding more brands to the limited-run site. And other warehouse club chains, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club, don’t appear to have an equivalent of what Costco is doing online with Costco Next.
So, what are the deals? There are currently 41 brands online in the Costco Next universe. Some are familiar: Invicta watches, Mikasa dinnerware, Dearfoams slippers, Philips lighting products, and Thomas Kinkade Studios fine art.
You’ll also find Artika lighting products, Baggallini accessories, Bench activewear, Cangshan handcrafted cutlery, Briggs & Riley luggage and Golden Arowana flooring among others
How Do I Use Costco Next?
Click into the Costco Next page. You’ll find the link nested toward the bottom of the Costco home page. On Costco Next, click on one of the brands, like Invicta watches. A page pops up with products available at Invicta (men’s watches, ladies watches and collaborations). You must enter your first and last name and your Costco membership number (even if you’re already signed on to Costco.com). Click “visit Invicta.” You’ll be taken to Costco.Invictawatch.com to buy from the provider at Costco prices. Under “collaborations,” an Invicta Disney Limited Edition Men’s Gold and Black watch sells for $114.99 (regular price $259) and an Invicta Shaq Collection Sea Hunter Men’s Two Tone Gold with Diamonds watch sells for $319.99, regularly $414.98. Under men’s watches, an Invicta Venom Hybrid Double Open Heart Mens Black and Mother of Pearl watch is $349.99, regularly $449.43.
But are these smart buys? We checked out what appeared to be the same Disney watch on Amazon.com (opens in new tab). It was selling for $109.99, $5 less than it was selling on Costco Next. Mind you, it isn’t always easy to compare apples to apples – or Shaqs to Shaqs. We had a hard time finding new Invicta Shaq collection watches available elsewhere that matched up with what Costco Next was offering via Invicta.
And be careful about how prices display when in the Costco Next portals. Invicta gives you the Costco price up front. So does outdoors gear company Klymit (and it also notes up front shipping is free). Portable charger brand Anker, however, shows a higher list price and tells shoppers the Costco member discount will show up at checkout. And for Anker, the 20% Costco discount comes only with a $50 minimum purchase. And, indeed it did. The Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger Power Bank that was listed for $59.99 was $48 when I put it in the shopping cart. Shipping was free. On Amazon, that Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger Power Bank (opens in new tab) was selling for $59.99.
-
-
State "Stimulus Checks" Are a Thing in 2022 – Will You Get One?
To help counter high inflation, pandemic woes and other financial hardships, some states are sending tax rebate "stimulus" checks or other payments to residents.
-
How Young People Can Own Their Financial Future Authentically
It starts with trusting the process. The good news is Gen Zers and younger Millennials are on their way, a new study says.
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
-
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
credit cards Business road warriors and leisure travelers alike can use a travel reward card to turn miles logged into other things – including more travel.
-
What Is an APR?
credit & debt Even for those who pay off their credit card balances every month, knowing your APR is part of keeping good credit habits.
-
How Big Will the Fed Rate Hike Be? Wall Street's Top Minds Weigh In
interest rates The Fed rate hike announcement is due out Wednesday afternoon, and markets are anticipating another monster increase.
-
Amazon Early Prime Access Sale Is a Prime Day Redux
Amazon Prime Prime Day: So nice they had to try it twice. A fall event will follow the model of blowout sales over two days. But it will come with a different name.
-
The Best Cash-Back Credit Cards
Smart Buying Not interested in miles, points or other perks from your credit card? For those who want money back with a minimum of games, these cash-back cards are the way to go.
-
Amazon Warehouse: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Next Online Bargains
Amazon Prime Amazon Warehouse products have a wide range of imperfections, but that leads to some often wildly discounted prices.
