Furniture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Costco. But in recent years, the warehouse retailer has expanded their furniture selection to offer surprisingly good deals across living room, bedroom and home office sets.
As with any big-box retailer though, there are useful tricks to finding the best bargains and smoothest shopping experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from sale cycles to delivery policies – to shop smart for quality Costco furniture.
Costco Furniture Pricing and Selection
Costco is able to price most furniture items around 15-30% below traditional furniture stores or chains. This is thanks to their unique business model based on holding just a few CHOICE suppliers per category and negotiating rock-bottom wholesale rates.
You’ll find a focus on mid-priced furnishings made from sturdy materials like wood, metal and select upholstered pieces. Brands carried include Abbyson Living, NovaSolo and Costco’s private label.
Expect plenty of:
- Living room sets – sectionals, sleeper sofas, accent chairs
- Dining sets – tables with 4, 6 or 8 chairs
- Bedroom sets – headboards, nightstands, dressers
- Accent furniture like TV stands, bookshelves, desk sets
Selection rotates frequently though, so pieces that catch your eye are worth buying promptly before they sell out.
The Best Times to Buy Costco Furniture
Costco runs special furniture sales a few times a year:
Early July around 4th of July – Deep discounts to compete with other summer sales
Late October to early November – Clearance prices as Costco makes room for holiday merchandise
Mid December – Special savings for Christmas shopping
But as Costco keeps profit margins slim year-round, every day can be considered a furniture “sale” there compared to stores that inflate regular prices.
Check back often as new inventory arrives weekly. And don’t wait on items you love – popular sets sell out fast even without a sale tag.
In-Store vs Online Furniture Purchasing
Brick and mortar stores offer the widest, most up-to-date furniture selection. Products bought in-warehouse must also be taken home same day. So shop in-person when:
- You have large vehicle/truck to transport purchases
- You want maximum choice and the newest inventory
Costco’s website has limited furniture stock that moves slower. But ordering online allows delivery directly to your door. This is ideal if:
- You don’t have proper transportation for large items
- You know exactly what specific piece you want
So browse in-store first to see products up close, then order online later for convenient shipping.
Finding the Furniture Floor at Costco
Most Costco warehouses display furniture together in a dedicated section:
- Typically near back of store, behind majors like fresh foods and clothing
- Sectioned off display area or open concept space
- Look for large living room sets, mattresses and bedroom furnishings
But layouts do vary, so finding furniture takes some exploration. Ask at customer service if you don’t see designated furniture zone.
Understanding Costco Furniture Price Tags
Decode tags on furniture to uncover extra insights:
Price ending in $x.97 – Item is specially marked down from regular price
Price ending in $x.79 – Product is heavily discounted for quick clearance
* asterisk symbol – Signals one-time inventory that won‘t be restocked once sold out
Costco Furniture Delivery Policy
The tradeoff for lower prices is that Costco does not offer furniture delivery themselves. All in-store purchases must be transported home by customer same day.
Delivery is available at added fee when ordering online. Options include:
- Threshold Delivery – Crew brings item inside ground floor entrance only
- Room of Choice Delivery – Crew brings furniture to exact room you specify
- Delivery + Assembly – Professional assembly of piece in room you select
Costco gives a 4-hour delivery window and cautions that crews may not unpack or remove packaging. Compare delivery costs before finalizing any online furniture purchases.
Returning Costco Furniture
Luckily Costco offers generous return policy on furniture. Items can be returned with a full refund within 90 days of purchase date, no questions asked.
Proof of purchase like order invoice is required. And buyer pays return shipping after 30 days. Inspect furniture closely upon arrival to catch any damage or defects immediately.
Tips For a Smooth Costco Furniture Buy
To wrap up the key tips for navigating Costco furniture:
- BYOV – Bring your own vehicle large enough to transport purchases
- Weekday shop when possible – Avoid busy weekends when parking and crowds frustrating
- Preview online – See available selection and plan picks ahead of visiting store
- Know return policy – Handy if item arrives damaged or has quality issues
- Price match with caution – Ensure model names and details align fully
Following this advice will help you land quality furniture finds at Costco for less. With the right timing and navigation tactics, you can furnish nearly an entire home with their affordable selection.
