I've worked at Costco for two decades... here are 10 items you need to buy before they leave for good
A longtime Costco employee has revealed the best items and deals she clinched from the store this year.
Veronica Thatcher has worked for the warehouse-based retailer for almost two decades, and revealed to Business Insider her best purchases of 2024.
1. The Snapware Pyrex 18-piece glass food-storage set
The 18-piece Pyrex set comes with nine airtight containers perfect for keeping leftover food fresh.
Since the glass containers come in various sizes they are convenient for storing all sorts of foods from fresh fruit, to pasta and soup.
They are also leak-proof and microwave-safe.
2. The Shark Detect cordless stick vacuum
Thatcher also recommends the Shark Detect cordless stick vacuum as 'one of the best cleaning devices I've ever owned.'
The vacuum is both convenient for being cordless and because it only weighs 6 pounds, making it easy to move about the house.
The vacuum has four different deep-cleaning modes each with a crevice tool and a multi-surface brush roll for hard-to-reach places.
The charge also lasts for up to an hour, helpful for a full-house spring clean.
3. Yummy Dino Buddies chicken nuggets
'We keep the Yummy Dino Buddies chicken nuggets in our freezer at all times,' Thatcher wrote in Business Insider.
Thatcher recommends preparing the chicken nuggets in an air-fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or microwaving them for about a minute and a half.
4. Cell phone plan
Costco warehouses often feature kiosks from different cell service providers.
The kiosks usually offer deals on new cell-service plans and upgrades from the likes of T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
Some Costco customers may also be eligible for members-only perks.
'I got a $200 Costco shop card when I added a new phone line to my plan,' Thatcher explained of her purchase.
5. The Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken
The longtime Costco employee also swears by the chain's own-brand rotisserie chicken.
The 3-pound chicken in a bag is cooked fresh at the warehouses every day and sells for just $5, making it a much-loved deal among the Costco faithful.
'I like to serve it with a side or shred the whole thing to use in meals like enchiladas or chicken salad,' Thatcher wrote.
6. Arlo Essential XL wireless HD camera
Arlo home security cameras have become increasingly popular, alongside rivals such as Ring doorbells.
'The Arlo Essential XL wireless-camera bundle has been a good investment when it comes to feeling safe and at ease in our home,' Thatcher said of her purchase.
'This system is easy to install and has live HD video and color night vision. I also like that I can access the camera from my smartphone,' she explained.
The bundle sold at Costco includes three cameras and a four-month Arlo secure subscription.
7. The Kirkland Signature organic K-Cup pods
Costco sells their Kirkland Signature K-cup coffee pods in boxes of 120.
Not only does this make it decent value for money it also reduces the chance of being caught short for a coffee in the morning.
'The store carries flavors like breakfast blend and summit roast, but my family's staple is the Kirkland Signature organic Pacific Bold pods,' Thatcher wrote.
8. New car tires
Costco's tire center is one of its lesser-known perks, but those who use it have good things to say about the service.
Costco sells tires at wholesale prices from top-name brands, like Michelin and Firestone.
The service also includes installation and inflation pressure checks for members.
9. Fresh produce
'Costco is the only place I buy my produce,' Thatcher wrote.
'Whether I'm getting berries, oranges, bananas, or even mangoes, the produce always seems to be high quality and is sold at wholesale prices.'
Thatcher also recommended buying fresh produce in bulk to those with big families who will likely get through the wholesale sizes before products start to go off.
10. Annual eye exam
Costco's optical center provides eye exams through various insurance providers, but are also available for a fee of around $70 even if your insurance doesn't cover it.
Anyone can get an eye exam at Costco, but you have to be a member to purchase their glasses and contact lenses.
