The Real Story Behind Those Viral Costco Products

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A screened-in porch that's large enough to accommodate a party. A preassembled tiny shed that eliminates any and all elbow grease. An oversized camp chair that can casually fit up to three people. Each of these unexpected, and undeniably appealing, items were introduced by Costco and quickly went viral.

While we once only used our Costco memberships to buy supersized versions of our favorite groceries or toiletries, it has become very clear that the wholesaler is also an excellent place to buy bizarre-yet-brilliant home furniture and accessories. (You know, those pieces you never knew you needed, but now that you have it, you simply don't know how you could ever live without it.)

We're seeing more and more Costco finds go viral on Instagram and TikTok—only to be snapped up, or fruitlessly sought after, by a bunch of shoppers eager to get their hands on their very own "it" piece. After writing about so many of the retailer's offerings, we couldn't help but wonder if there's a method behind the madness—what exactly it is that makes Costco's wares so covetable.

For Evelyn and Yessenia Gonzalez, the dynamic duo of the popular account Costco Sisters, the magic lies in the retailer's endless versatility. "Costco has everything you need for your home and to meet the need of any lifestyle," Evelyn points out. After all, if you're already going to the retailer to buy sauvignon blanc, soap, and gym socks, what's adding yet another thing to your cart? (Bonus points if you can find something like bed sheets or brand-name mattresses on the cheap.)

Still, while Costco has an impressive array of furniture and accessories, not everything can reach viral status. What does it take to create a Costco craze? We asked the Costco Sisters what they consider when choosing which items to feature on their hyper popular account.

Big Brand Names

A flashy, household manufacturer is a solid place to start. "Name and high-end brands always pique our interest, but only when they come at an affordable rate," Yessenia explains. In other words, the next time you see a $30 Pendleton blanket at Costco, buy it. Talk about luxe for less!

Everyday Items That Pull Double Duty

When filling their social media feeds with this best Costco finds, the Gonzalez duo takes a rather personal approach. "We honestly look for products we like and want," Evelyn shares. "We want our page to focus on the needs and wants of regular people just like us—people who want nice things at a good price."

Through our exhaustive look at Costco's viral sensations, we found that some of the biggest hits are everyday items...with a little something extra. Take a console table isn't just a console table: It's an adjustable surface that can seat up to 10 people for dinner. Or maybe that armchair which converts to a twin-sized bed right when you need it most. In other words, products with an "aha" or problem-solving factor can draw customers in.

Fleeting Finds

Costco has a revolving door of merchandise, which means time is off the essence—especially when shopping for those viral, hard-to-find, pieces. If you're eager to get your hands on a viral find, bring a sense of urgency to your shopping spree by taking a close look at the price. "Any tag that ends in seven is usually a clearance item," Yessenia shares. You also want to stock up on items whose price tags end in zero or 88-cents. "They are low in stock and/or marked down to get off the shelves quicker," she explains. Also, when in-store, look for an asterisk in the upper right hand corner of the price tag. "The [asterisk] means it's been discontinued and wont be restocked." Meanwhile, items that end with 99 cent are generally full-price and will be around a long time, so you can save that purchase for a rainy day.

How to Make a Costco Viral Find Your Own

Act fast. Double-tapped on a viral Costco find you need to have in your home? Since these internet-famous wares sell out like hotcakes, you really don't want to procrastinate.

If you happen to see a covetable piece available online, these Costco-loving sisters recommending buying it, stat. Sure, online shopping might come with some superfluous shipping fees, but Yessenia points out that the wholesaler has a pretty generous return policy. "You can always buy the item online, and when it eventually rolls around to your warehouse, [if it's at a lower price] you can buy it [there] and return [the one you got online]," she says. "They will return the higher-priced item no questions asked."

And if an item seems to be sold out online, get creative! "Call your local warehouse with the item number to see if they carry the product and which store is the closest that does," recommends Evelyn.

The only question that remains is what's worth buying right now? Don't worry, we're sharing a few favorites below. Happy shopping!

Sienna Oval Daybed

Brisbane Queen Portrait Wall Bed

Dillard Fabric Twin Size Convertible Sleeper Chair

Full Signature 680 Thread Count Sheet Set

12’ x 16’ Cape Blue Hardtop Screenhouse

Full Cooling Select 12" Memory Foam Mattress

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