The Hidden Meanings Behind Costco’s Secret Codes That Employees Don’t Want You to Know
Costco has its own shorthand for pricing and store operations. Certain symbols, numbers, and phrases on the floor tell regulars what’s in short supply, what’s marked down, and what’s about to disappear. Here’s a look at the terms staff and savvy members recognize.
The Finale Star
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That little asterisk in the corner of a price tag is the product’s swan song. Once you spot it, you’re looking at the last of that item’s run. It might still be full price, or maybe not, but if it’s something you love, grab it before it’s gone for good.
Code 99
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Hearing “Code 99” over the intercom means something behind the scenes just got urgent. It’s an all-hands signal for employees to deal with a security or safety issue. That could be anything from a missing child to a slippery spill.
Go-Backs
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Every retail store deals with merchandise that gets abandoned before checkout, and at Costco, those stray items are “go-backs.” Employees round them up and return them to their proper spots, often using carts loaded with random goods. Shoppers might overhear the term near the registers.
Action Alley
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It’s where high-turnover, promotional, and seasonal items land for maximum visibility. TVs, holiday decor, and bulk snacks often appear here to tempt shoppers as they navigate toward everyday staples. The displays rotate often, so an unplanned detour down this stretch can lead to unexpected finds and an overloaded cart.
.97 Price Endings
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When a price ends in .97, it’s been marked down from its original Costco rate. The markdown can be small or significant, but either way, it’s a clue that the product is on its way out. These discounts don’t always get flashy signage, so scanning price endings uncovers savings.
The Fence
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Some warehouses have a fenced-in section piled with seasonal goods by the entrance. The name returns to the Price Club days, and the contents turn over quickly. One week it’s patio furniture, the next it’s Christmas inflatables. The good stuff rarely stays, so catching it at the right moment is half the fun.
.00 Price Tags
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See an even .00 at the end of a price? That’s often a clearance, especially in clothing. These markdowns are usually manager-driven, meant to move out the last bits of inventory. Discounts vary, but .00 is a reliable sign the product’s days on the floor are numbered.
DNI Labels
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A “DNI” label stands for “Do Not Inventory” and tells staff the product is unsellable. It’s set aside to be returned to the vendor, often due to defects, expiration, or other quality issues. Shoppers usually won’t see these items on the floor, but the label is a clear internal signal for removal.
Showtime Ready
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Before the doors open, staff work to get the store “showtime ready.” It’s retail slang for perfectly straightened aisles, topped-off pallets, and displays prepped for the day’s rush. The term isn’t unique to Costco but fits the early-morning scramble to make the massive space look inviting.
Green Price Tags
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Shoppers scanning for organic items should watch for green-colored price tags. Not every organic product gets one, but many do, especially in produce and meat sections. It’s easy to separate certified organic offerings from conventional ones without squinting at packaging.
.88 Markdowns
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A price ending in .88 signals a manager’s markdown. These appear when returned items are still in sellable condition or when limited stock needs to be cleared. The discounts can be deep, but checking for missing parts or minor wear is smart.
.49, .69, or .79 Price Endings
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When a price ends in numbers like .49, .69, or .79, it usually means the manufacturer is behind the discount, not Costco itself. These prices pop up across departments and can apply to anything from electronics to packaged foods. It’s a subtle signal that the deal is tied to a vendor promotion.
The Last Price Change Date
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Look at the bottom right corner of a Costco price tag, and you’ll see the date it was last updated. If it’s been there for weeks without an asterisk, the item may be due for another price drop. Regular shoppers use it as a quiet signal to watch and wait.