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Costco CEO Reveals the (Surprising) Items Customers Can’t Get Enough Of

Some big ticket items are the reason Costco is having a good 2024.

By Lauren Gordon

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 24, 2024

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People have loved and adored Costco for many reasons over the years, but lately members are enjoying and buying the finer things in life. On an earnings call, CEO Ron Vachris reported that members are spending thousands on big-ticket items.

Sales for 2024 hit $52.39 billion in the third fiscal quarter, a significant increase from last year.

"We see big and bulky going very well. It's been a year of our $1,200 swing set that we have on the floor," Vachris elaborated. "We can't get enough; they're just blowing out."

There are some pretty surprising things Costco customers are going crazy for. It's becoming more and more evident that saving at Costco on more than everyday groceries is pretty popular. Here's what people can't get enough of.

Editor's Note: Prices vary depending on location and availability.

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Kidcraft swing set

Price: $1,200

On the floor, customers are always enticed and entranced by the elaborate displays. The huge swingset is a crowd favorite, and at this price, it is easy to see why.

The set itself includes swings, an impressive twisty slide, and a climbable crow's nest clubhouse. The kids will never want to leave!

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Wagyu beef

Price: $129.00

People are unashamedly leveling up their BBQs with these delicious Wagyu ground beef packs. Available online to ship in 2 days, this beef is certified Japanese A-5, meaning its quality is pretty high.

The packet comes with approximately 4 lbs of beef and is described as both "buttery and sweet."

Gold bars and silver coins

Price: Varies

When Costco introduced gold bars and silver coins, they probably didn't anticipate that they would be one of the top sellers in their business. The endeavor has brought in over $200 million, and apparently, stock goes within a few hours.

The Wall Street Journal reported that bars have retailed for around $2,000.

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Bottom line

Overall, members can save thousands on luxury items and score them for an attainable price, thanks to Costco's strategy of keeping markups low and memberships rolling in.

Some analysts predicted that this success would cause Costco to raise its fees. CFO Gary Millership denied that it was happening soon but did warn that they'd be going up "eventually."

Still, shoppers can count on Costco to help them save money on groceries and other purchases.

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