Expert to Utahns: Here's Why Costco Aisles Have No Signs

On your last visit to Costco, did you come out with more items than you planned on buying? The large warehouse retailer has perfected the impulse buy model. Here’s how they make it happen.

No Signs Describing What is on Each Aisle

You may have noticed that you can’t find a description of items on a sign hanging high above at the end of an aisle like grocery stores do. That is because Costco wants you to walk through the store and this forces you to search for what you are looking for.

This is the same reason they frequently move items around in the store. As you search, they put new discounted items here and there that surprise you when you find them. When you find these deals you feel an impulse to buy.

How many times have you found an something you kind of wanted at a price that seems too good to pass up. You make a quick decision to buy it before it is gone.

This is part of the fun of Costco. We all like discovering deals. Costco helps with these impulse decisions because you know they carry good merchandise that is marked down more than other places.

It is hard to pass up a good deal that may not be there next time you visit. Canva

You Aren’t Going to Find These Deals Without Walking

Here are some other ways they help you see the whole store. They put toilet paper and rotisserie chicken and other popular items way at the back. This gives you the opportunity to walk past all those amazingly discounted impulse items.

Food sample stations and salesman making deals in the heavy traffic slow down the flow of people. The longer you spend in the store, the more chance you will make impulse purchases. That’s why some call it the $100 per hour store.

They also pull you in with that incredible deal on food. Where else can you get a giant hot dog with a drink for a $1.50. Of course, you will have to scan your card and walk through the place first.