Sure, I’ve bought a frozen meal or two from Costco just because, but on each visit, there’s enough affordable decor, furniture, appliances, and kitchenware on display to keep me busy without ever stepping foot in the food or beverage aisle. As long-time renters of small apartments became new homeowners, we had empty rooms (and corners) to fill, a real yard (with grass!) to tend to, and a temperature-controlled garage to store all the junk. A Costco membership now felt like the right move for this new phase in our lives.
Call me old school (or older millennial), but I still like to touch, feel and hold things in my hands before I buy them, whenever possible. At Costco I can reach out and touch that plush pet blanket to see if I think it will pill easily or light a flameless candle to test and see if the lights are really “soft white”.
Like most people, I stock up on essentials like coffee and paper towels at Costco, but the real reason I’m a member is to shop for seasonal decorating gems. Some of the most requested items in our home, like our beautiful large outdoor patio lanterns or the super luxurious, pre-lit holiday wreath that steals the show every Christmas, came from a quick Costco run.
I also love its exclusivity. There are decorative pieces that I spotted at Costco one year and haven’t seen anywhere since. In the spring, we will also stock up on large bags of mulch, fertilizer and annuals to keep our yard in shape. And, like any store, Costco knows how to grab your attention with strategically placed impulse buys. But even they mostly never disappoint me. There I won my favorite (and warmest) electric blanket, a 4K TV for our guest room, and the healthiest and happiest houseplant we own (a peace lily).
If I sound like I’m on the Costco payroll, I’m not, but I am is my favorite store for all things home and it has served me well. If you regularly shop for essentials and home decor and think Costco is mostly just a great destination for bulk snacks or produce (we are), I encourage you to stop by and check out the decorated aisles for yourself. As first time home owners, we’re really glad we did. See you at the checkout!
Buy: Annual Costco membership, $60