How to Find Hidden Costco Clearance Items

If you only buy items at standard price, you are leaving the best Costco savings behind.

Costco does not advertise final markdowns or put all clearance in one obvious section. You need a system, not luck. This guide breaks down a repeatable method for finding hidden deals and explains how to track local markdowns before inventory disappears.

The Costco Clearance Items Find Method

The Verdict: Stop wandering aisles randomly. Use this sequence every visit.

1. Skip the Center and Walk the Edges

Start with end caps and the warehouse perimeter. That is where discontinued inventory is often moved when Costco needs pallet space in core aisles.

If you want a deeper timing strategy, review the best times to shop clearance.

2. Watch for the Asterisk (The Death Star)

Look at the top-right of the price sign. An asterisk means the item is not being reordered. It is an early warning that a markdown may be coming if stock remains.

For the full decoding system, see Costco price tags explained.

3. Scan for the Magic Number: .97

When you see a price ending in .97, treat it as a clearance signal that the warehouse wants the item gone quickly.

If you are new to .97 logic, read what .97 means at Costco.

Looking for Costco Clearance Deals This Week?

Many shoppers search for weekly national clearance lists. The problem is that Costco clearance is local, not national.

One warehouse may mark a coffee maker to $49.97 to clear space, while another nearby warehouse still sells it at $89.99.

Key takeaway: Generic "this week" clearance posts are often wrong for your specific store.

Why You Need a Costco Clearance Tracker

High-demand .97 deals can sell out the same day they appear. If you only check in person once a week, you will miss many of the best markdowns.

CostLow works as a warehouse-specific clearance tracker so you can monitor deals before you drive to the store.

•Warehouse-Specific Feeds: See deals from your selected location, not random stores across the country.
•Live Clearance Reports: Browse new .97 finds, then filter by category, price, and discount.
•Fast Alerts: Get notified when a new clearance item is reported at your warehouse.

What If the Price Drops After You Buy?

This happens all the time with seasonal and clearance-heavy categories. Costco allows price adjustments within 30 days, but you still need to catch the drop in time.

See full policy details in Costco Price Adjustments Explained.

How CostLow helps with price drops:

•Snap your receipt: Save what you bought and what you paid.
•Track automatically: Monitor prices at your local warehouse.
•Claim the difference: If the price drops in the adjustment window, take the alert to Member Services.

Stop Leaving Money on the Table

The best clearance deals go to shoppers who get there first and know exactly what to scan for.

Build a simple system: edge scan, asterisk check, .97 confirmation, and local tracking alerts. Then repeat it every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are hidden Costco clearance items usually placed?

Most appear on end caps, store edges, and seasonal zones being reset. They are often mixed into normal inventory with no obvious "clearance" sign.

Does an asterisk always mean the item is on clearance?

Not immediately. It means the item is not being reordered. If inventory stays high, it often gets marked down after that.

Are Costco clearance deals this week the same in every state?

No. Clearance is warehouse-specific. The same item can be .97 in one city and full price in another.

What is the fastest way to find .97 markdowns?

Shop early, scan end caps first, and use warehouse-level tracking alerts so you know about new markdowns before they sell out.

Can I get money back if a Costco item drops after purchase?

In many cases, yes. Costco offers a 30-day price adjustment window. Keep your purchase details and request the difference through Member Services.