Since Halloween started trickling into stores in July, it shouldn't shock you that Christmas is in full swing at Costco — the aisles are filled with twinkling Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, and gift-wrapping supplies. That observation from Best Life's shopping editors captures the specific commercial reality that experienced Costco members understand and first-time September holiday shoppers find surprising: the best time to shop for Christmas at Costco is not December. It is right...

The average day spa visit costs $100 to $300. The average Costco spa and self-care haul that creates a comparable experience at home costs a fraction of that — and creates an experience available every evening rather than as an occasional treat. Costco has quietly assembled one of the most commercially compelling at-home wellness and self-care product ecosystems available in American retail — from the SaluSpa inflatable hot tub with built-in Wi-Fi that brings the luxury hot tub experience to...

The whole night people were like, 'Where's this cake from?' and I was like, 'Costco,' and they were shocked. That was Phoenix bride Willa Eigo, who in September 2022 found herself planning an impromptu wedding with three weeks of lead time. Bakers in her area were asking $350 or more for a wedding cake, with two-month minimum lead times. Willa ran to Costco and ordered two vanilla half-sheet cakes with cream cheese frosting for a grand total of $50. The cakes were the talk of the reception —...