Don't Miss Out on Costco's Winter Wear Clearance Event
As the seasons change, Costco begins clearing out its winter inventory to make room for what's next. We've spotted fantastic deals on everything from heavy-duty jackets and cozy fleece to essential base layers for men, women, and kids.
Costco Is Clearing Out These Winter Wear Items
As winter begins to wane and retailers look to make space for spring inventory, warehouse clubs like Costco start offering significant markdowns on their seasonal apparel. This period, typically from late January through March, is a prime opportunity for shoppers to acquire high-quality winter gear at a fraction of its original cost. By understanding which items are likely to be cleared out, you can strategically plan your shopping trips to stock up for the current season's end or prepare for the next one. Here are the key winter wear categories you'll often find on clearance at Costco.
Heavy-Duty Winter Jackets and Parkas
Perhaps the most sought-after clearance items are the heavy-duty jackets and parkas. These are often from well-regarded brands like Gerry, 32 Degrees, and Andrew Marc, which offer excellent performance and durability. During the clearance phase, you can find these high-ticket items significantly reduced. Look for jackets with features like down or synthetic-down insulation, which provide excellent warmth without excessive bulk. Many of these parkas also boast water-resistant or waterproof outer shells, sealed seams, and detachable, faux-fur-trimmed hoods, making them suitable for harsh weather conditions including snow and sleet.
When evaluating these jackets, pay attention to the details that enhance comfort and functionality. Features such as fleece-lined pockets, adjustable cuffs, and interior zip pockets for securing valuables add considerable utility. The key to getting a great deal is to shop when the selection is still decent but the markdowns have begun. The price may drop further, but waiting too long could mean missing out on your size or preferred color.
Layering Essentials: Fleece and Puffer Vests
Effective winter dressing is all about layering, and Costco is a fantastic source for these essential pieces. As the season ends, you will likely find deep discounts on fleece jackets, quarter-zips, and lightweight puffer vests. Brands like Kirkland Signature, 32 Degrees, and various sportswear labels are common in this category. Fleece items are valued for their soft feel, breathability, and insulating properties, making them perfect as a mid-layer under a heavy coat or as a standalone jacket on milder days.
Puffer vests, filled with either down or a synthetic alternative, are another versatile piece frequently on clearance. They provide core warmth while leaving your arms free, which is ideal for active pursuits or for wearing indoors in a chilly environment. These items are often sold in multipacks or at very low individual prices during clearance events, allowing you to build a comprehensive layering system without a significant investment.
Cozy Flannel Shirts and Thermal Base Layers
Comfortable and warm base layers are the foundation of any winter wardrobe. Costco typically stocks a wide array of flannel shirts from brands like Weatherproof Vintage and Jachs, known for their softness and classic patterns. As winter inventory is cleared out, these shirts often see prices drop dramatically. They are perfect for casual wear and can be worn on their own or layered over a t-shirt for extra insulation.
Alongside flannel, look for thermal base layers. The 32 Degrees Heat brand is a Costco staple, offering lightweight, moisture-wicking tops and bottoms that are designed to retain body heat. These are essential for anyone who spends time outdoors in the cold, whether for work or recreation. Because they are considered a seasonal staple, any remaining stock is usually marked down to make way for spring and summer basics.
Winter Footwear: Boots and Insulated Socks
Keeping your feet warm and dry is critical in cold weather, and Costco's end-of-season sales often include excellent deals on winter footwear. You can frequently find insulated, waterproof boots from brands like Khombu or Weatherproof. These boots are designed for navigating snow and slush, featuring rugged outsoles for traction and warm linings for comfort. Finding a sturdy pair of winter boots for under $30 or $40 during these sales is not uncommon.
Don't overlook the socks. Costco is famous for its Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Trail Socks. These are a year-round item but often see price reductions as part of the broader seasonal shift. Merino wool is prized for its ability to regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odor, making these socks a superior choice for winter. Buying them in multi-packs during a clearance event provides incredible value for a product you'll use for years.
Cold-Weather Accessories: Gloves, Beanies, and Scarves
No winter outfit is complete without accessories, and Costco's clearance section is the perfect place to find them. Look for multi-packs of gloves and beanies from brands like Head or Pekkle for kids. Many of the gloves feature practical additions like touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your phone without exposing your hands to the cold. Beanies and scarves made from fleece or soft knit materials are also common finds.
These accessories are often the first items to receive deep discounts because they are small and highly seasonal. It’s an excellent opportunity to replace lost gloves or simply add new styles to your collection. The value is often so good that it makes sense to purchase them and store them away for the following winter.
Understanding Costco's Seasonal Clearance Strategy
Costco operates on a high-volume, low-margin business model that relies on rapid inventory turnover. This is especially true for seasonal items like winter apparel. The company's goal is not to store unsold winter coats until next October; it's to clear the floor space as quickly as possible to make room for incoming spring products like patio furniture, gardening supplies, and swimwear. This operational necessity is what drives the aggressive end-of-season markdowns that benefit savvy shoppers.
To identify these deals, shoppers should learn to recognize Costco's pricing codes. The most important indicator of a clearance item is a price ending in ".97". This signifies that the item has been marked down from its original price. Another key symbol is the asterisk (*) printed in the upper-right corner of the price sign. This is informally known as the "death star" among Costco fans, and it means the item is being deleted from the inventory and will not be restocked once it sells out. When you see a price ending in .97 combined with an asterisk, you know you're looking at a final clearance deal.
Answering Your Top Questions About Costco Clearance
When is the best time to find winter wear deals at Costco?
The optimal time to hunt for winter wear clearance is typically from the end of January through March. The process usually happens in stages. In late January and early February, the initial markdowns begin. At this point, the selection of sizes and colors is at its best, but the discount might be modest. This is a good time to buy if you have a specific item in mind and don't want to risk it selling out.
As February progresses into March, the prices will likely drop further. This is when you'll find the deepest discounts, with items marked down to their final .97 price. However, the trade-off is a significantly depleted inventory. You may have to search through disorganized piles, and finding the right size can become a challenge. For the absolute best combination of price and availability, aim for mid-to-late February.
How can you tell if an item is a final clearance price?
Decoding Costco's price tags is the key to knowing if you're getting the best possible deal. As mentioned, a price ending in ".97" indicates an item that has been marked down by a local or regional manager to clear it out. This is the classic clearance tag. If you see an asterisk (*) on the sign, it confirms that the item is being discontinued and will not be reordered. The combination of these two signals a true clearance find.
Occasionally, you might see a price ending in ".00" or ".88". These often represent a manager's final markdown to get the last few units of a product off the floor. These are often the lowest prices you will ever see for that item but are also the hardest to find, as they typically apply to just a handful of remaining products, sometimes floor models or items with slightly damaged packaging.
Are clearance items returnable at Costco?
One of the most significant advantages of shopping at Costco is its famously generous return policy. The great news for bargain hunters is that this policy generally applies to clearance items as well. Unlike many other retailers that designate clearance sales as "final," Costco allows members to return almost any product at any time if they are not completely satisfied with it, with very few exceptions (like electronics, which have a 90-day return window).
This policy provides a major safety net when buying clearance apparel. You can purchase an item you're unsure about, take it home to try on, and return it without hassle if it doesn't fit or meet your expectations. This removes the risk often associated with final-sale shopping and allows you to take advantage of the best deals with complete confidence.
Final Thoughts on Navigating Winter Clearance
Costco's end-of-season winter wear clearance represents one of the best opportunities for consumers to purchase high-quality apparel at exceptionally low prices. From heavy-duty parkas and boots to essential layering pieces and accessories, the range of discounted items is extensive. By understanding the timing of these sales and learning to decipher the store's unique pricing codes, shoppers can strategically maximize their savings.
Planning ahead, staying patient, and visiting the warehouse regularly during the late-winter months can lead to significant finds that will keep you warm for years to come. The combination of well-made products, aggressive markdowns, and a risk-free return policy makes Costco's winter clearance an event worth marking on any savvy shopper's calendar.