5 Types of Items Retirees Should Skip Buying at Costco During Black Friday

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Black Friday at Costco can feel like Christmas morning for bargain hunters. However, not every deal is worth it. If you’re retired, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding great deals on bulk items that seem too good to pass up.

Unfortunately, many deals can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Before heading to your local Costco store on Black Friday, make sure you skip adding the below items to your cart.

In contrast, these are Costco deals retirees should grab on Black Friday.

Large Bulk Perishables

Perishable items don’t last very long. Dairy products, produce and baked goods might only stay good for a couple of weeks before they expire. Like this 18-count pack of Horizon milk boxes for $21.99. Unless you’re planning to have a lot of friends and family over during the holidays, many of these items could go bad before you get a chance to eat them. 

To help save money and avoid waste, consider buying these items in smaller quantities from the grocery store or opt for frozen options instead.

Mattresses

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you might think Black Friday is the best time to shop. However, you could end up spending more than necessary and get a mattress that’s not the right fit for you.

Mattresses go through sales cycles. While they usually are discounted around the holidays, the real deals happen in the spring. That means purchasing on Black Friday might not give you the best price. Like this Tempur-Pedic mattress that’s $1,899.99. Also, Costco and other warehouse stores often have limited stock compared to specialty mattress shops. To find the perfect mattress at the best price, stick with a specialized store and shop in April and May.

Fitness Equipment

Is your New Year’s resolution to stay active and keep yourself fit? If so, you might be thinking about buying a treadmill or other home gym equipment — like this NordicTrack 24 Studio Bike for $1,299.99. Unfortunately, most home fitness gear ends up collecting dust and isn’t used, which is a big waste of money.

Instead of buying fitness equipment for your home from Costco, consider getting a gym membership that requires you to leave your house to work out. Many gyms waive the initiation fee and offer discounted monthly rates if you sign up in January. 

Electronics

Retailers love promoting electronics on Black Friday. They offer some incredible discounts to get customers in the door. Unfortunately, many of the electronics are from off-brand manufacturers that offer limited warranties. This iHome Portable Bluetooth Candle Speaker is a prime example at $29.99. While the prices might be extremely low at Costco, the quality might not be what you were expecting. 

Jewelry

Jewelry is a popular gift during the holidays. Although Costco usually has sales, they aren’t the biggest discounts you can find. Instead, most retailers hold their largest jewelry sales in the summer. Like this Three Stone Pendant that is $500 off, but still costs a whopping $1,499.99. So unless you are completely set on buying jewelry for your loved one during the holidays, it’s better to wait a few months.

Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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