Quick answer
Hidden Costco clearance hides in five places: end caps, manager-markdown .97 tags mixed into regular aisles, floor-model and display clearance, seasonal reset zones, and items flagged with an asterisk (*) that won't be reordered. Costco doesn't centralize or advertise these deals on purpose—so you find them by scanning the right spots early.
This guide is about where clearance physically hides in the building. If you'd rather follow a complete shopping routine instead, read our step-by-step method for finding Costco clearance items. Otherwise, here are the five spots experienced shoppers check first.
1. Check Endcaps First
Clearance items often appear:
- •At aisle ends
- •Away from original category placement
- •Without signage
Endcaps are the fastest way to spot markdowns.
2. Look for Odd Quantities & .97 Tags
If only:
- •2–6 units remain
- •Sizes or colors are mixed
- •Packaging looks inconsistent
That's often clearance inventory—confirm it by checking the last two digits of the price. A .97 ending means clearance.
3. Watch Seasonal Reset Zones
Major clearance waves happen:
- •January (holiday & winter items)
- •Late summer (outdoor & patio)
- •Fall (TV models, grills)
Timing matters as much as location. For a full calendar, see the best time to find Costco clearance.
4. Floor Models & Display Items
The last unit of furniture, electronics, or seasonal displays is frequently marked down to clear the floor space—often ending in .00. Ask the right way:
"Is this item being discontinued?"
Employees often know which display items are exiting soon and what the markdown will be.
5. Hunt for the Asterisk (*)
The asterisk in the top-right corner of a tag is your treasure map. It means the item won't be reordered—so even at full price today, it's a clearance candidate tomorrow. Spotting asterisks lets you find hidden deals before the markdown even happens. Learn the full system in our price codes chart.
Remember: clearance prices vary by warehouse and are set by local managers. An item on clearance in one store may be full price in another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Costco hide its clearance items?
Clearance hides in five main spots: end caps, manager-markdown tags mixed into regular aisles, floor-model and display areas, seasonal reset zones, and items flagged with an asterisk (*). Costco doesn't centralize or advertise these on purpose.
How often does hidden clearance change?
Constantly. High-traffic items can turn over daily, so the spots that were empty yesterday may be full of markdowns today. Check regularly if you're hunting specific deals.
Can you ask staff where the hidden clearance is?
Yes, but ask the right question. Instead of "Is this going on sale?" ask "Is this item being discontinued?" Employees often know which items are exiting soon.
Is hidden clearance the same online?
No. Costco.com clearance is separate from in-warehouse clearance, with its own inventory and pricing. In-store hidden clearance is hyper-local to each warehouse.
What does an asterisk on a hidden clearance tag mean?
It means Costco won't reorder the item. When the asterisk appears next to a .97, .00, or .88 price, it's the strongest signal that the deal is final and won't come back.
Explore More Guides
- →How to Find Costco Clearance Items (Step-by-Step)
The complete repeatable method—not just the spots, but the full routine.
- →The Best Costco Price Trackers & Clearance Websites
Why warehouse-specific alerts beat manually scanning every aisle.
- →Costco Price Tags Explained
Decode .97, .99, the asterisk, and more so you can read any tag instantly.
