American shoppers are going gray. Chalk it up to aging baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. There are roughly 74 million of them alive today, still outpacing millennials, with the first wave of boomers already entering retirement. And boomers like to shop. In particular, they like to shop at Costco. More older shoppers prefer the warehouse club over popular retailers such as Walmart and Target, and boomers are more likely than millennials to renew their Costco memberships.
So it makes perfect sense that Costco caters to retirees and near-retirees, despite the stereotype that it only sells bulk items that are too much for an empty nest. As a boomer and regular Costco shopper, I already knew this from personal experience, but recent research trips to my local warehouse clubs revealed even more deals aimed at the mature market that I hadn’t noticed before. Here are 15 things I found that uniquely appeal to retirees. Check them out.
We are retirees. Love ya Costco. We are thankfully very active right now (ages 79), but are happy to see we can order groceries when the ol shopping days are over……(hopefully not until we meet the speed limit of 100mph)!!! Love, Lil ol lady from Escondido, CA
Can Costco make my prescribed eyeglasses dark?
My Costco eyeglasses turn dark automatically in bright sun light. I don’t even realize it unless I happen to see my reflection in a mirror.
They can make different types of sunglasses with your prescription but, no, they cannot darken existing glasses.i got a pair of bifocal sunglasses and I think they’re great!
If you have AAA road insurance, any office takes passport pics free!
Only with the premium card
Wonderful to see everything
Costco sells. Do they deliver groceries??
Yes and they are fantastic. It’s called ‘sameday Costco’. We use them all the time. If the menu doesn’t show what you know they carry, describe it the best you can and if they have it the shopper will get it for you. We have had nothing but the greatest shoppers and service.
How about getting a Cosco in Northeast PA.
Maybe in Scranton
One more item that should be on the list – TRAVEL. Past few years we have saved thousands of dollars booking Cruises (12), Travel Packages (4) and car rentals (7).
I have not tried Costco for booking a vacation, but I did set one up with southwest vacation for two disabled Veterans, but had to cancel it more then 24hr before, and asked for my money back in full… It’s been over 3 month’s now on the phone with them, have not got one penny back from them. next time I’m trying Costco. do not use southwest vacation they will just rip you off.
The iTunes card for Apple was a huge eye opener for me. I’m going to use this, so the charges won’t be on my CC.
Thank you; Every dollar saved is very important to be able to maintain a decent standard of
living .
Question: Where are your locations in middle TN, beside West Nashville?
I love Costco but there is not one near me in Savannah GA.
Supposedly, there will be one soon near the Tanger Outlets or in Pooler!
Great information
I really loved Cosco but in a silly spur of the moment (think it was the cost of of membership was cheaper at sam’s. I did not renew my membership and joined Sam’s. What a bad choice that was. I bought a recliner there and in 6 weeks is broke, took 6 months to receive a claim after many tel calls and visits. I tried to overlook this and went shopping there after several months and walked out empty handed. I wish your membership had a senior price. Even tho it costs more I will re-join my membership this month. Even if I don’t buy in bulk, i’m 80 yrs old next month, I like your quality .
I am going on 82, take LOTS of medications and have been a member of Sam’s for years. I can’t imagine a store being less expensive and/or more accommodating.
I am there almost every day, picking up my “drugs” and having an inexpensive lunch all at the same time. Many times I bring along the ingredients for that days dinner for my wife and I when I head home.
Yep, I am a fan!
when is the proposed Cranston rhode island store coming?
MY SON SIGNED HIMSELF AND ME FOR A MEMBERSHIP…BUT I FOUND ONE PROBLEM NOW DAYS.. WHY DOES’NT COSTCO HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR “”RETIRED MEN AND WOMEN.. EX. A ROW AREAS FOR PARKING FOR THEM ALONE SO THEY WONT HAVE TO WALK SO FAR FROM YOUR STORE.. (sign: AREA FOR RETIREES ONLY) AND HAVE SPECIAL STICKERS TO HANG INSIDE THEIR CAR’S MIRRORS…
I HAD TO WALK A DISTANCE FROM ENTRANCE OF STORE…I HURT SO BAD I ONLY GOT TO STAY IN STORE FOR A FEW MINUTES…WOULD LOVED TO HAVE STAYED LONGER, BUT THE PAIN WAS UNBEARABLE. I DO LOVE YOUR STORE AND WOULD LIKE TO STAY LONGER NEXT TIME…..
Until then, I might suggest using one of Costco’s electric wheel chair’s. I am in my early 60’s and due to chronic pain, have had to use one at Meijer a few times. It is not easy to accept but it certainly helps us to be able to see things within the Store.
Well then get a handicapped permit from your doctor!
Thanks.
interesting article. Wish Costco was closer to home. About 40 miles one way. look into the fairfield/licking county areas in ohio. thank you.
EVERY THING LOOK GOOD !!
I love to be member of costco , and I do love the Kosher Hot dog!!
But I desgaree with the Picture that you Publice it it look FAR away that presentation for the new comer ,
I understand that you want a beatiful picture but THIS ONE IS WRONG TO PRESENTED SOMETHING THAN IS NOT TRUE THE HOT DOG IS NOT SERVED WITH ANY THING CLOSE AS THE PICTURE !!!
PLEASE BE HONEST !!!
Specially is you are marketing go to the retired , have some respect !!
Thank you.
the 1.50 hot dog with drink is a really good deal.. take my grandkids here to eat if we are near the store. the pizza is reasonable and they love that as well but does not offer drink with it. they also need 1 express lane to pay. I often run in for 1 thing I forgot last trip and waiting on long lines is very annoying and waste of time..
I’ve learned some new things by your site. One other thing I would really like to say is the fact newer laptop or computer operating systems are inclined to allow much more memory to be utilized, but they in addition demand more ram simply to operate. If your computer cannot handle far more memory and the newest program requires that memory space increase, it may be the time to shop for a new Laptop or computer. Thanks
one thing not to buy at Costco is Guerrero stretchy flour tortillas…and between the big tortillas they put small ones that you will see when you open the bag at home..but why should i drive all the way to Senter road to buy chorizo. ?..when i live very close to Costco in santa clara.
Will the thievesvatbthe funeralnhome letbyou usebthem
I remember FEDMART, the forerunner of Costco. Created in San Diego , the original continues to evolve and age well.
I thought it was Price Club when I first joined.
It would be nice if there was a Costco here. I live in southeast Georgia where there are a lot of retirees and the closest Costco is either Charleston SC or Jacksonville FL
is Grocery Delivery ever going to happen in Hawaii. If not, how come?
If it is a free sample it does not require a credit card, or money of any kind…
When is Costco going to sell wine in Pennsylvania? Have you applied for a liquor/wine license with the State. I enjoyed reading the article on the wines offered in various Costco stores across the nation.
Need places to sit down for a bit while shopping.
Little Rock is begging for a Costco – maybe not Sam W’s family but the folks in the state would flock to LR.
Any chance of having Kosher items — especially at holiday times (like Passover, Rosh Hashanah, etc.) I know NY and Florida do and there’s one store in Maryland, quite a distance away. How about something in Northern Virginia (select one store in Fairfax , Alexandria or Ashburn and I’ll bet customers will come)
Many people would be delighted by a Costco in the Buffalo, New York area. We’re having a wonderful resurgence. Please come and be part of it.
Pity Costco does not offer thus in the UK only bulk trade orders no private cardholders allowed.
Why can’t I get a cup of coffee at Costco?
Love Costco, I always had plenty of T.P. Also had lots of food.
We absolutely love Costco! We do most of our shopping there – we also love the two checks we get every year from using Costco Visa –
Another thing to add to the list of GREAT savings not just for us retirees is GAS! If your CostCo has a gas station and you are not using it . . . well you should!
Need a store near Lewes De. Hundreds of new homes from retired nj/by/pa residents