8 Costco Items East Coast Retirees Should Stock Up on Before Winter Hits

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Prior to the recent blast of cold air and heavy snow, the eastern U.S. had experienced unseasonably warm weather due to a number of meteorological and gas emissions factors. The World Meteorologist Organization predicts 2024 will be the warmest year on record and the Climate Prediction Center expects warmer than average temperatures across much of the southern and eastern continental U.S.

However, winter has finally arrived at the Atlantic Coast and regardless of its length and severity, those on the Eastern Coast shouldn’t sleep on adding a line to their budget for their favorite items or home essentials at Costco before the harshest season shows its true nature.

Here are some winter-friendly Costco items that retirees living on the East Coast should consider buying before heavy snowfall and cold temperatures force them to spend more time at home.

Non-Perishable Food Items

Having non-perishable food like dried nuts, fruit and cereal, energy bars and dry pasta and jarred sauce around when the weather turns cold will provide you with cozy meal options in winter. When it comes to food, it pays to buy in bulk.

Retirees won’t find better deals anywhere but Costco on goods like Chicken of the Sea’s chunk light premium tuna (a 12 pack of 7-ounce cans for $17.99) or Nissin Top Ramen’s chicken soup (a 48-count box for $16.99).

Lands’ End Holiday Sweaters

Lands’ End 100% heavyweight cotton sweaters are an ideal fashion choice for the whole family during the holidays. These classic fairisle design crewneck sweaters are available online only through Dec. 13. Both adult and kid sizes for these sweaters are priced at $14.97.

Assorted Coffee and Tea

Costco has been pushing coffee deals lately, including $7 and $8 off Starbucks, Roaster’s Reserve, Tully’s, Caribou, Newman’s Own and Original Coffee Shop K-Cup pods (these come in 72- and 80-count boxes).

Old school bean addicts can get a 43.5-ounce canister of Folgers Classic Roast ground coffee for $11.99 ($3 off) or a 14-ounce jar of Nescafé Taster’s Choice instant coffee for $13.99 ($5 off).

A variety pack of 180 Stash tea bags is on sale now through Dec. 25 for $17.49 ($4.50 savings).

Laundry Detergent

For laundry and dishwasher detergent, look for specials, buy in bulk and try the house brands or non-name brands. Remember that many box-store brands are often made by the same manufacturers as the popular brands, but with slightly different packaging, coloring or fragrance. 

So, while Tide Plus Advanced Power with Oxi liquid laundry detergent is on sale for $20.99 ($4 off for 78 loads), Kirkland Signature’s Ultra Clean Free & Clear HE liquid laundry detergent can be bought for $16.39, (a $3.60 manufacturer’s savings) and yields more loads of 146.

Duracell Batteries

Whether you’re prudent enough to plan in advance for an emergency outage or not, fresh batteries are something you should have on hand at all times of the year. We require batteries for a variety of electronics and devices, some of which we hardly realize. They power our smoke alarms, remotes, flashlights and a variety of other gadgets. A 40-count of AA or AAA Duracell Power Boost batteries are $2 off until Christmas Day for $18.99 each.

Men’s and Women’s Winter Boots

When the cold hits hard, you can always bundle up your body with extra layers of sweaters and long johns, but the same can’t be said for your feet. An extra pair of socks is an option but choosing the right pair of boots for outside use can save your soles.

Khombu ladies’ stylish boots are weather rated to minus 20 degrees and are $29.99, while the durable men’s weatherproof sneakerboots are $31.99.

Tineco FloorWasher Homekit Cordless Mop and Vacuum

Costco stocks all sort of vacuums and floor cleaning appliances, including some high-priced brands that you might have to mortgage your home to afford. If you’re looking for a cheaper, but dependable model, the Tineco cordless three-in-one kit might be the solution to your floor cleaning concerns.

It mops, vacuums and self-cleans, plus it comes with an additional lightweight and cordless mini vacuum for quick pickups. This bundle is only available to purchase online and the $125 manufacturer’s savings is valid Dec. 22.

Pure Life and Kirkland Signature Water

During a water-related emergency or outbreak, safe drinking water may not be available. But it’s always a good idea to store some extra water at home in small bottles and gallon jugs. A 24-pack of 8-ounce Pure Life purified water bottles are on sale for $4.99, plus a two-day delivery charge of $2 right now. Costco Business Members who like to prepare can take advantage of buying a 48-case pallet (with 40 bottles in each case) of Kirkland Signature 16.9-ounce bottled water for 23 cents a bottle.

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

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