Costco's 'Star of Death': Shoppers Decode Price Tag Symbol

Costco shoppers have identified a subtle symbol on price tags, nicknamed the "Star of Death" or "Death Star," which indicates that a product will not be replenished once current inventory is depleted. This discovery has led to increased discussion among consumers online, with many reporting that they immediately purchase items bearing the mark.

The asterisk, located in the top right corner of some shelf labels, signifies that the specific item number is "pending deletion" and is unlikely to be restocked in the near future at that particular warehouse. According to longtime shoppers and former employees, this code is a clear signal to consumers who favor the product.

Costco typically stocks around 4,000 different products at any given time, a deliberate strategy to allow for bulk purchasing, lower prices, and regular rotation of new and seasonal items. This smaller product range compared to typical grocery stores means that popular items can disappear without notice.

However, the "Star of Death" does not always mean a product is gone permanently. Seasonal items frequently receive the symbol at the end of their run and may return later. Other items might reappear in different packaging, a new size, or under a revised stock keeping unit (SKU). A product with an asterisk may still be restocked, but potentially in a modified form or at a later date.

This symbol is also distinct from discount indicators. While items ending in .99 are typically regular-priced, prices ending in .97 often signify a corporate markdown. Rarer prices ending in .00 can indicate a warehouse manager clearing out remaining inventory, display models, or returned merchandise. A combination of an asterisk and a .97 price ending suggests the item is being cleared and will not be replenished. Prices ending in .88 can also appear, sometimes associated with certain Asian products around Lunar New Year due to the cultural significance of the number eight.