16 Surprising Facts About Costco You Probably Didn’t Know

As one of America's leading retailers, Costco has built a reputation for its massive aisles packed with everything from toilet paper to peanut butter. Shoppers, who pay an annual fee starting at $65, enjoy access to some of the lowest-priced goods around, all while navigating its enormous warehouse-like stores.

You’ve likely noticed that Costco is often crowded, tough to navigate, and its free samples could easily feed a family. But there are probably some other things about the store you’ve been wondering.

Did you know that you don’t necessarily need a Costco membership to shop there?

Big-box stores like Costco and Sam's Club can provide low prices due to their enormous purchasing power and profits boosted by membership fees. But if you're not a member, there's a workaround: a member can purchase a Costco Cash Card (a gift card) on your behalf, which you can use freely in-store or online at locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Just note, your experience might vary depending on the store—some employees may be a little irked if you're unable to show a membership card.

Costco has a knack for playing with your mind.

Costco frequently carries high-ticket items—like luxury handbags or entire barrels of Jack Daniel’s whiskey—not just because they expect to sell them, but because the mere presence of these items stimulates excitement and releases dopamine. In this state of pleasure, you're more likely to indulge in purchases that more cautious shoppers might pass over.

No ID? Your Costco card might just work at airport security.

Despite the strict security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration, you might be surprised to learn that a government-issued ID isn't the only way to get through a checkpoint. In 2013, KPIX 5 in San Francisco revealed that TSA accepts various items, including utility bills and Costco cards, as proof of identity. However, using one of these alternatives could mean extra screening, such as a pat-down or swab test, so it's still safest to carry a government ID.

Costco left Brad Pitt feeling less than satisfied as a customer.

In 2015, Brad Pitt urged Costco to stop selling eggs from cage-raised hens. He sent a letter to CEO Craig Jelinek, requesting a timeline for the company to update its animal welfare policies. ‘Many major corporations, from Burger King to Unilever, are eliminating cages,’ Pitt wrote, apparently hoping the company would feel pressured by the actions of other brands. This call for change seemed effective—Costco launched an animal welfare page in response, which stated:

“Costco is dedicated to sourcing cage-free eggs and is continually working to increase the global percentage of cage-free eggs it offers. By September 2018, Costco had raised the proportion of cage-free shell eggs in the U.S. to 89 percent. Additionally, Kirkland Signature™ Liquid Eggs are entirely cage-free. The shift toward cage-free eggs will persist as more cage-free production becomes available and scalable.”

However, as of 2025, that page remains empty.

The Costco rotisserie chicken has its own fan following.

In 2015, Costco reported selling 157,000 whole chickens each day, estimating a loss of $30 to $40 million annually due to maintaining a $4.99 price point to satisfy members and encourage high foot traffic. (They did receive complaints in 2024, however, when they changed the packaging, switching from hard shells to plastic bags.) Fans exchange chicken recipes on a dedicated Facebook page. It seems the chickens are kept on the shelf for just two hours to ensure maximum flavor; after that, they’re removed and repurposed for other dishes.

The price of the hotdog and soda combo is unlikely to increase.

The beloved meal combo, introduced in 1984 at its current price, is likely to remain unchanged: As Costco president W. Craig Jelinek once shared, when he voiced concerns about the company's losses due to the $1.50 charge, co-founder and former CEO Jim Sinegal replied, 'If you raise {the price of} the effing hot dog, I will kill you. Figure it out.' To keep costs down, Costco shifted production of the hot dogs to in-house plants in Los Angeles and Chicago, and switched from Coke to Pepsi when prices rose.

One Costco store offers horse and buggy parking for the Amish.

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the company decided to build a special livestock parking stall as a courtesy to the local Amish community. The stall includes a rail for tying up horses, a roof for weather protection, and even a shovel and hose for manure cleanup.

Costco once had to issue a recall for a punching bag that was filled with dirty underwear.

Due to a manufacturing glitch that may never be fully understood, Costco had to issue a public recall notice after it was discovered that punching bags from TKO, Inc. contained dirty men’s and women’s underwear instead of sand. In 2007, Fox reported that a Cincinnati family was shocked to find thongs, bathing suits, and bras inside their new purchase. All buyers received a replacement and a shipping label to return the laundry.

Costco describes shopping as a ‘treasure hunt.’

While Costco’s floor plan might appear disorganized, it's actually a strategic design aimed at maximizing sales. The company frequently moves essentials like toiletries, light bulbs, and other regularly restocked items, forcing customers to embark on a ‘treasure hunt’ to find them. This tactic encourages shoppers to explore new areas of the store—and often results in more purchases.

At one point, Costco referred to the Bible as 'fiction.'

Costco ranks among the largest car dealerships in the United States.

In 2018, Costco sold nearly 650,000 cars, making it the largest car dealer in the U.S. at the time. Jay Maxwell, the general manager of Costco's Auto Program, shared with CNBC in 2024 that over the prior five years, the company had facilitated an average of more than 500,000 car sales annually. According to CNBC, this figure represents at least 3 percent of all U.S. vehicle sales annually, surpassing the yearly sales of major publicly traded dealer groups like Lithia Motors and Autonation. However, Costco doesn't profit directly from the sales; instead, it negotiates a set price with the dealer and acts as an intermediary to deliver value to its members.

Unbeknownst to many, Costco is one of the largest pizza chains in the U.S.

While pizza is just one item on Costco’s expansive food menu, it could be considered a dominant force in the pizza industry if we broaden the definition a little. With over 600 locations across the country, Costco ranks as one of the largest pizza chains. To meet the high demand, many stores are equipped with automated sauce spinners, like the one pictured above, to speed up the process.

A couple decided to tie the knot in Costco’s frozen foods section.

For many brides, it’s the dream scenario: walking down the frozen food aisle to meet her groom. In December 2014, Robert and Meredith Bonilla took their vows on a pallet in a Santa Maria, California, Costco, just one year after they met there. Store management granted them permission to hold the ceremony after hours.

Costco provides everything you need for a funeral.

Even in death, you can still benefit from Costco’s savings. The company offers a wide range of funeral products, including caskets, urns, and flowers. These coffins are delivered directly to the funeral home of your choice. However, to avoid confusion, Costco clarifies that it is not a licensed funeral home and does not offer or perform funeral services.

Costco outperforms Athleta in clothing sales.

Though Costco might not be the first place you think of for fashion, they sell a surprising amount of apparel. The retailer moves $9 billion worth of clothing annually, surpassing brands like Athleta and Ralph Lauren. Big names like Tommy Hilfiger contribute to the success, though there is one catch: none of Costco’s locations have fitting rooms.

Kirkland Signature is a major revenue generator.

Costco's Kirkland Signature brand, named after the site of one of its first warehouses, was launched in the 1990s. By 2023, it generated $56 billion in revenue, making up 23% of Costco's total sales, excluding Kirkland gasoline. Yahoo! Finance notes that if Kirkland were a separate company, it would surpass the sales of giants like Nike, Coca-Cola, and United Airlines.