A TikTok video breaking down so-called “hidden” Costco shopping tricks is capturing the attention of Costco members, as shoppers react to insider-style tips about decoding price tags and spotting items that may soon disappear from shelves.
The video, posted by user meganepauly, walks viewers through what she describes as lesser-known signals embedded in Costco’s pricing system.
Among them is the “Star of Death”—a nickname for the asterisk symbol printed on price tags that she says signals an item will not be restocked.
Taking Stock
In the clip, which has garnered more than 1.2 million views, the self-described “real food advocate” explains that prices ending in .97 typically indicate a final sale price.
Meanwhile, the presence of the asterisk apparently means shoppers should act quickly if they want the product.
“That means it’s not being reordered,” she says, urging viewers to stock up before items disappear from shelves forever.
The creator also notes that green labels often indicate organic products and that signage can reveal whether a sale is temporary or nearing its end.
The concept of hidden pricing codes is not new to longtime Costco shoppers.
According to AOL, if a price, “ends in .97—clearance alert. These deals are never advertised. It means a manager has marked down this item and it won’t be restocked. Once gone, it’s gone for good.”
Similarly to meganepauly, the outlet notes, “Pro tip: Spot an asterisk at the sign’s top-right corner? That item’s discontinued—so grab it now, or miss it forever.”
Pushing Back
The TikTok footage has prompted discussion among viewers, with some offering additional context, or pushing back on the idea that the symbol always signals a permanent disappearance.
“The death star doesn’t necessarily mean it’s never coming back,” offered a contributor, amid almost 300 remarks.
“Sometimes item numbers change and we will not be getting that item back until the [manufacturer] sends it. It could be months or a year and yes, sometimes it never comes back, or is seasonal. I know, because I work for Costco.”
Another individual chipped in: “The death star sometimes is just repacking coming. Not necessarily not coming back or returning.”
Others focused on the broader shopping strategy at the warehouse retailer.
“Moral of the story is. If you find something YOU LOVE at Costco. Buy a few [because] when it wears out, like clothes, or you need more. Poof! You will never find it again,” a pundit declared.
The video also highlights a lesser-known option for customers to request products at their local store by submitting feedback forms, suggesting that inventory decisions may be influenced, in part, by shopper demand.
Cultivated Reputation
Costco has long cultivated a reputation for rotating inventory and limited-time deals, a strategy that encourages repeat visits and bulk purchases.
The combination of pricing codes and scarcity signals—whether officially confirmed or shopper-interpreted—continues to fuel online interest, as customers look for ways to make the most of their membership.
Newsweek has reached out to meganepauly for comment via TikTok and Costco for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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