Why the Costco aisles aren’t labeled – it’s making you spend way more money than necessary

COSTCO is a fan favorite when it comes to buying groceries and home goods in bulk.

Most people think they’re saving when they visit the big-box retailer, but the truth is, they may end up spending more than they think.

As you may have noticed, the Costco aisles aren’t labeled as usual grocery stores are.

There isn’t an aisle called “chips and crackers” or one called “breakfast and cereals” - and that’s on purpose.

BUT WHY?

Rather than beeline to the aisle that holds the items people came to the store for, customers have to stroll up and down various sections.

This means they’ll likely put something in their carts that they weren’t looking to buy.

Luckily, unlike other big retailers like Walmart, which has about 120,000 products on display, Costco typically has less than 4,000 — so it won’t be too hard to find what they need.

WHY IS FOOD SO CHEAP?

As for why the rotisserie chicken and hot dogs are so cheap, there’s a strategic reason for that too.

While the hot-dog-and-drink combo is only $1.50 - a price that has remained unchanged for years — and the rotisserie chicken is only $5, they’re placed at the back of the store so that customers must wander other aisles before reaching those great deals.

Who knows? On your way to getting a low-priced yet delicious lunch, you may stumble across that vacuum you've been thinking about purchasing.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIRKLAND BRAND?

Shoppers should find comfort knowing that, when they do buy Costco-brand goods - aka Kirkland brand - they are getting a great deal.

The Kirkland products cost less than brand names but actually deliver very high-quality stuff.

One example is wine. That $20 Kirkland bottle may come from a highly regarded vineyard.  

Costco takes premium wine from top vintners and sells it for extremely low prices because, well, they could afford it.

Given that over 100 million people in the world have Costco cards ($60 a year for basic gold membership and $120 for executive membership), the retailer can get away with discounted items.