When it comes to shopping, no one has more experience (and resilience) than the baby boomers. After all, they’ve been around way longer than millennials and had the opportunity to experience the changes in shopping patterns throughout the years.
According to various studies, baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 prefer to do their shopping at warehouse clubs instead of bigger retailers such as Walmart and Target. This means they are more interested in renewing their Costco membership.
A Costco membership can bring a lot of benefits to its users. Costco is trying to make the most of the senior population’s preference towards their business, that’s why they are constantly coming up with all sorts of deals for the mature market. While keeping in mind that not all that glitters is gold, let’s see some of the best things retirees can purchase at Costco.
Costco Bargains for Seniors:
Eyewear
Costco offers eye health services for really good prices. As explained by Mike Molitoris, the managing director of Flagship Wealth Management Group, L.L.C., retirees can benefit from eye checkups and impressive deals for eyewear.
“The examination fees are reasonable if you don’t have insurance and the best part is you can get some pretty good deals on eyeglasses in-store,” says Molitoris. Coupons can also be of help if you want to save even more money.
Hearing aids
Similar to eyeglasses, seniors can also get hearing aids for really good prices. More than that, retired shoppers can also benefit from hearing screenings, free of charge, the Costco’s Hearing Aird Centers.
According to Krista Fabregas, a retail and shopping analyst for FitSmallBusiness.com, “the Kirkland Signature™ 8.0 Premium Digital Hearing Instruments are $1,600 for a pair”. Compared to the market price of hearing aids, which can go as much as $2,500 per ear, Costco’s offers are quite economical.
Prescriptions
For those looking for affordable prices on medicine, Costco is a great place to purchase prescriptions as well. After all, if you’re already buying eyewear or hearing aids, why wouldn’t you buy your prescriptions as well, says Molitoris. “Costco offers competitive pricing on pharmaceuticals for you and your pets,” so, take advantage of your Costco membership and save important money.
See also 11 Things Seniors Can Get for Free
Vaccinations
If you’re not a Costco member, don’t worry. You can still get your flu shots or vaccines at Costco for affordable prices. According to Consumer reports, you don’t even need insurance in order to be able to take the immunization vaccines. What more can you ask?
Walking and shower aids
Aging may come with a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to mobility. Luckily, for aging shoppers, Costco also comes with a lot of good deals on medical and aging-related products, says Fabregas. Seniors aged 60 and up with mobility issues can purchase shower chairs, for instance, at very convenient prices and have them delivered for free. That’s an important perk that helps retirees with their savings.
In addition, those who cannot shop in the store can compare prices online before making a decision as to what product to buy.
Books
With more time on their hands, it’s no wonder that many retirees pick up reading again. According to data released by U.S. News & World Report, the average American spends around 20 minutes reading every day. In the case of retirees, those aged 75 and more read around 60 minutes per day while those aged 65 to 75 spend more than 30 minutes during the weekends.
If you’re a fan of reading yourself, it pays off to buy your books at Costco. Apart from finding great deals and lower prices compared to Target or Amazon, the selection is also worth taking into consideration.
Anti-aging supplements and cosmetics
When it comes to supplements and cosmetics, Costco’s prices are unbeatable. For instance, you can purchase Kirkland senior multivitamins for around $12.99 for 400. This is practically half of the price you’ll find at Centrum Silver.
Name-brand anti-aging serums and moisturizers such as StriVectin and Perricone MD can be bought for 30 percent less than the price you’ll find in beauty stores, recommends Fabregas. You can maintain yourself younger and in shape with minimum costs if you know what to look for at Costco.
Wines and meats
If you want to spend a nice evening with your partner, prepare a nice dinner and spend quality time together, then Costco is the place to buy your wine and meat. According to Fabregas, beef tenderloin, for instance, costs much less than at grocery stores. Not to mention the wines. “Costco’s wine selection is legendary too, with ample choices among private-label and top U.S.-produced and imported vintages—all at great prices,” says Fabregas.
It might pay off to stock on some wine, you never know when the occasion to celebrate comes up. Just the fact that you manage to save money while shopping can also be considered reason enough for celebration.
Gift cards
Gift cards are a great way to save money. Retirees can find many convenient deals on gift cards at Costco, but it’s not only them that they can benefit from such perks. Workers and students can also get the most out of these cards.
For instance, you can purchase movie and restaurant gift cards 20 and even 30 percent cheaper than their face value. It’s something worth considering, right?
Retirees, workers, and students alike should all take advantage of Costco’s excellent deal on gift cards. According to thekrazycouponlady.com, both movie and restaurant gift cards sell for 20 percent less than face value.
Read also: Free Money? Here Are 7 Sure Ways to Get Them
Passport photos
With more free time in retirement, it’s no wonder retirees travel way more than other categories of people. According to a study published in 2016 and commissioned by Merrill Lynch, people aged 50 and more account for around 45 percent of travelers.
What’s the one thing all travelers cannot travel without? Their passport. This means passport photos can become a good investment, especially if you plan on spending your golden years traveling the world.
Generally, the price for two new passport photos at your local Post Office is around 15$. At Costco, you can have your photos taken for only $4.99. For a chance to see the world and its most interesting places, it’s worth the trip to one of your Costco stores, isn’t it?
Read also: 10 Smart Tips For Seniors to Save Money When Traveling
Cruise packages
Speaking of traveling the world, if you’re not a fan of being up in the air, you can opt for the sea. Costco offers an impressive variety of cruise packages, with additional perks included. The packages have extremely convenient prices and some include food and beverage credits, as detailed by Forbes.
If you would rather travel by boat, you can book Costco cruises with additional perks. Not only will Costco cruise prices be lower, but they often offer food and beverage credits for select packages, according to Forbes. Costco shoppers will also want to know the many other Costco secrets employees won’t tell you.
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