Staying Fit
Getty Images
Even though inflation has ebbed a bit, prices for many goods remain higher than they’ve been in years. One great way to combat those price hikes is by shopping at warehouse stores, where you can save by purchasing everyday items in bulk.
There are plenty of opportunities for smart shoppers to save at stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club. The key to maximizing savings at warehouse clubs is making sure that you don’t end up purchasing items that you truly don’t need just to take advantage of the price — or overbuying products that will expire or go bad before you’ve had a chance to use them.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
“People start getting into trouble and wasting money at warehouse clubs,” says Kristin McGrath, a shopping expert with RetailMeNot. “They see the per-unit price on perishable goods is really low, but if you’re not having a party anytime soon, or you don’t have a big family, you’re going to probably end up throwing a lot of that stuff away.”
While you may expect to find great deals on such warehouse club staples as cases of canned goods and pallets of toilet paper, here’s a look at 9 more unexpected categories where you can find savings at warehouse clubs.
1. Prescription drugs
The prices of prescription drugs at the pharmacies inside warehouse stores are often lower than those at other pharmacies. This is the rare instance where you don’t even have to be a member to take advantage of savings, since anyone can fill their prescriptions at these pharmacies.
2. Eye care
Not all warehouse clubs offer eyeglasses and optometry services, but many have full-service optical centers on-site at competitive prices. Even if you go to an off-site ophthalmologist, you can bring your prescription to a warehouse club to select discounted glasses or contact lenses.
3. Hearing aids
If your warehouse club offers hearing exams and sells hearing aids, that can be a great way to save on the pricey devices. Costco took the top spot in customer satisfaction in a recent Consumer Reports survey, receiving high marks as well for price transparency and the options.
4. Gasoline
While prices at the pump at warehouse club gas stations fluctuate just as at other gas stations, they can be up to 30 cents less per gallon, says Andrea Woroch, a money consultant. That’s such a great deal it may be worth just topping off your tank whenever you’re on a shopping trip.
The one downside is that those great prices tend to attract long lines of folks looking to fuel up — especially when gas prices are on the rise.
“If you’re going just for gas, I’d go early in the morning or later at night when the lines tend to be shorter,” Woroch says.
More From AARP
7 Items Getting Cheaper Now
From eggs to used cars, prices are falling from record highs
5 Ways to Get a Deal on a Used Car
You aren’t going to save a ton, but there are tricks to lower the sticker price
Save Money By Buying Food That's Not Perfect
Small blemishes can lead to big food savings