If you’re someone who loves scoring deals in bulk and saving serious cash while stocking up on everything from snacks to electronics, then you’re probably no stranger to the magical world of Costco. With its warehouse-sized aisles and endless shelves stacked high with value-packed goods, Costco has earned a cult-like following for offering unbeatable deals. But here’s the thing—there’s a little-known secret buried right in plain sight that can make your shopping trips even smarter. Next time you’re roaming the aisles, look closely at the price tags. Specifically, keep an eye out for a tiny symbol: an asterisk. It may be small, but that star-shaped mark holds a big message, and knowing what it means could save you from missing out on your favorite items.

Let’s break it down. That humble asterisk sitting in the upper right-hand corner of a Costco price tag isn’t just decoration—it’s a subtle signal from the store. According to deal-savvy shoppers and sources like the Krazy Coupon Lady, when you see that asterisk, it means one very important thing: the item won’t be restocked once it’s sold out. In other words, it’s on its way out. Whether it’s being discontinued altogether or simply rotated out to make space for seasonal products, once it’s gone, it’s gone. That little symbol is Costco’s quiet way of telling you that the clock is ticking.

Think about how many times you’ve seen a product you loved at Costco, only to return a few weeks later and find it completely vanished. No trace, no explanation. It can feel like a mystery—but once you understand the role of the asterisk, it all starts to make sense. Costco doesn’t always restock every item indefinitely. Instead, they rotate inventory regularly to keep things fresh, seasonal, and cost-effective. That means they often bring in limited quantities of certain items and cycle them out after a while. The asterisk helps clue you in before it’s too late.

Now, before you start panicking and loading your cart with every asterisk-marked item in sight, take a breath. The asterisk doesn’t mean your beloved product is gone forever—it just means it won’t be on shelves for the time being. Costco’s product lineup shifts frequently based on seasons, trends, and supplier availability. This rotating strategy is how they manage to keep prices low and selection fresh. By limiting the time certain items are available, they can negotiate better deals with suppliers and pass those savings on to you. So while one product might be leaving, another equally exciting one is probably on its way in.

This dynamic system works in our favor more than we realize. The constant refresh keeps shopping exciting—there’s always something new to discover. And because Costco buys in bulk and rotates inventory strategically, they’re able to maintain those low prices we all love. It’s a win-win: we get great deals, and they keep things efficient. But the key to not missing out on limited-time items is paying attention to those price tags. That tiny asterisk is your heads-up to act now if you really love what you see.

So, what should you do when you spot that little star? If it’s a product you use often or something you’ve had your eye on, consider grabbing an extra or two. Because once it’s sold out, there’s no guarantee it’ll return anytime soon—if ever. That’s especially true for seasonal items, specialty foods, and limited-edition products. Costco doesn’t always announce when an item is leaving the shelves, so the asterisk is your best chance to stock up before it disappears.

Also, don’t confuse the asterisk with other price tag codes. Costco uses a few symbols and pricing tricks to signal discounts or clearance items, but the asterisk specifically means no restock is coming. It’s like a quiet farewell wave from the product—no hard goodbyes, just a subtle nudge to grab it while you still can.

Next time you’re cruising through Costco’s massive aisles, scanning the towering shelves of bulk bargains, make sure to look for that unassuming little star on the price tags. It’s your insider tip, your secret signal, your heads-up that a product’s time on the shelf is limited. It’s not necessarily goodbye forever—it’s more like “last call.” By staying alert and understanding what the asterisk means, you’ll never be caught off guard again. You’ll shop smarter, save more, and maybe even become the go-to Costco guru in your circle. So keep your eyes peeled—those tiny stars are saying more than you think.