If you’re someone who gets excited about saving money and buying in bulk, then Costco is probably one of your happy places. With massive shelves packed full of value-sized products and prices that make your wallet smile, it’s easy to see why so many people swear by this retail warehouse giant. But even the most seasoned Costco shopper may be missing out on a small but mighty secret that could save both time and money. The next time you’re pushing your oversized cart through the aisles, take a closer look at those price tags. You might notice a tiny asterisk (*) in the upper right-hand corner—and believe it or not, that little star means way more than you might think.

Now, let’s talk about what this little symbol actually means. According to savvy shoppers and experts like the team over at the Krazy Coupon Lady, when you spot an asterisk on a Costco price tag, it’s the store’s discreet way of telling you that the item won’t be restocked once it’s sold out. In other words, it’s on its way out. So if you’ve got a favorite product and you see that star next to its price, you might want to grab a few extra before it disappears for good. It’s not a flashy clearance sticker or a big “last chance” banner, but it’s just as important—maybe even more so.

Costco’s product rotation system is one of the ways they keep their prices so competitive. Unlike other stores that keep the same items stocked year-round, Costco is constantly swapping out inventory based on seasonality, trends, and supplier deals. They don’t just buy in bulk and let things sit on the shelves forever. Instead, they bring in a limited number of certain products, showcase them for a period of time, and then phase them out to make room for new ones. This strategy not only helps Costco maintain its legendary low prices but also keeps the shopping experience fresh and exciting for customers.

Now, don’t panic if you see that asterisk on something you love. It doesn’t always mean the item is gone forever—it might return next season or pop up again later. But it does mean that for now, once the current supply runs out, you won’t be seeing it on those shelves again anytime soon. That’s why it pays to pay attention. Whether it’s a specialty snack, a limited-edition kitchen gadget, or a seasonal home decor item, the asterisk is your silent warning to act fast if you want to stock up before it’s too late.

And here’s the thing—this whole system actually works in our favor as customers. By rotating inventory and bringing in fresh products regularly, Costco can negotiate better deals with suppliers, pass those savings on to us, and reduce overhead costs from keeping slow-moving items in stock. It’s a win-win situation. We get awesome prices and new things to explore on every visit, and they get to keep their business model lean and efficient.

So how do you spot this secret symbol? Just look at the top right corner of the white price signs you see throughout the store. The asterisk is small, but once you know to look for it, you’ll start spotting it all over. And every time you see it, remember: this item’s time on the shelf is limited. It’s not a clearance item, and it might not even be on sale. But it’s definitely a heads-up that if you wait too long, you could miss out completely.

The next time you’re navigating the towering shelves at Costco, remember to keep your eyes peeled for that tiny star. It’s not just decoration—it’s insider information. Think of it as Costco’s way of giving you a heads-up without making a big scene. And if you’ve ever been disappointed by a favorite item suddenly vanishing, knowing what that asterisk means could help you avoid that same regret in the future. So the next time you’re filling your cart, glance at those price tags a little closer. That quiet little asterisk might be the most important thing you see all day.