Weekly runs to Costco bring to mind crowded parking lots, parents and kids loading up carts in aisles full of bulk-sized items and lots of standing in long lines.
But the warehouse store is also a great place for anyone looking for great deals, including retirees. Members of that group aren’t necessarily looking to fill up a pantry or closet with food, but they’re still looking for discounts as they manage budgets during their post-working years.
Take a tour through the aisles with us as we look at some of the many items retirees should be getting at lower prices at Costco — if they don’t mind the long lines.
1. Prescriptions
You don’t have to join Costco to take advantage of its generally low drug prices. But joining brings additional perks for retirees looking to save on prescription drugs.
For example, Costco members who don’t have health insurance, or who have insurance that doesn’t cover certain drugs, can take advantage of the Costco Member Prescription Program.
The retailer describes it as “a prescription drug discount card program that provides eligible Costco members and their eligible dependents with the ability to obtain lower prices at participating pharmacies.”
2. Eyeglasses
Whatever your optical style — eyeglasses, contact lenses or sunglasses — you can find it for less at Costco. The retailer has an optical department, where you also can get an exam and help in choosing what’s best for you.
Costco says it also accepts most insurance vision plans, and you don’t even have to be a Costco member to see an optometrist there.
3. Vitamins and supplements
Always talk to your doctor before trying any new vitamin or supplement. But after that, look to Costco.
The wholesale club offers an extensive selection of vitamins, multivitamins, dietary supplements and herbal supplements. Whatever you might need, Costco is bound to have it at a decent price, if not the best price — especially if you take advantage of sales.
Costco regularly offers additional discounts that it calls “Member-Only Savings” or “Warehouse Savings” but that are essentially sales.
Money Talks News managing editor Karla Bowsher — who never shops at Costco without first checking the sales — says these discounts always include numerous price cuts on supplements.
4. Hearing aids
You can get significant savings on premium hearing aids by buying them at a Costco location that has a hearing aid center.
These locations also offer free hearing tests and hearing aid service, among other services.
5. Mobility aids
For seniors who need help staying on the move, Costco offers good deals on wheelchairs and walkers.
The retailer even sells medical alert systems.
6. Gift cards
Heading out to eat? Need gift cards for the grandkids? Be sure to check Costco first. It’s one of few places where you can buy gift cards for less than their face value — often up to 25% off.
Restaurant gift cards are most common at Costco, but you can also find entertainment and gaming gift cards, for example.
7. Golf balls
Playing golf regularly and briskly walking the course rather than riding in a golf cart can boost your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Before you hit the green, grab yourself a few dozen golf balls at Costco for a reasonable price.
8. Mattresses
Finding the right mattress is critical to battling insomnia and soothing aching bodies, and Costco lets you choose from a wide variety of brands, types and sizes — as well as bedding.
If you’re confused about which way to go, Costco has a handy buying guide.
9. Car rentals
Keep this in mind for your next trip: It’s not well-known that you can use Costco for renting cars, but doing so could save you.
Costco Travel offers a Low Price Finder search tool that lets you compare the rates of big car rental companies to find your best price — one-stop shopping.
10. Cruises
Buy your next cruise vacation through Costco. You can book cruises to a variety of places and with a variety of cruise lines. The Costco Travel website lets you explore options by destination, cruise line and duration.
11. Caskets
They aren’t exactly enjoyable items to shop for, but a variety of caskets go for less than $1,400 at Costco.
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