For many living in North America, food and daily necessities make up a major share of household expenses. As such, finding ways to save money while shopping at large supermarket chains is always a top priority. Many assume that choosing stores like Costco, Aldi, or Walmart is enough to cut costs. In reality, the real savings are often hidden in the fine print of the price tags.
Recently, a viral TikTok video revealed the secret meanings behind Costco’s price tags. Soon after, savvy shoppers began sharing similar insights about Aldi and Walmart. Numbers, colors, and symbols on price tags may seem trivial, but they’re actually coded signals from retailers — and understanding them can help shoppers grab the best deals and avoid marketing traps.
Costco: Price endings and the mysterious asterisk
At Costco, most shoppers know to compare unit prices, but few are aware of the hidden codes built into the price endings.
- Items ending in $0.99 reflect the original, regular price — usually the highest retail level.
- Endings like $0.49 or $0.79 indicate a limited-time manufacturer promotion. Prices will eventually return to their original level.
- The coveted $0.97 signals clearance or a manager’s markdown — often the lowest price available.
Special caution applies to prices ending in $0.00 or $0.88. These usually mean the product is being cleared out quickly due to low stock, but they can also point to returned items. Shoppers are advised to inspect these products carefully for damage before purchasing.
Another key symbol is the asterisk in the top right corner of a price tag. An asterisk means the product is being phased out — either seasonal stock or a discontinued item. If it’s something you love, stock up, because it may not return.
Aldi: Color-coded labels and handwritten deals
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Aldi is already famous for low prices, but seasoned shoppers know its true savings are revealed through color-coded labels and special markings.
- Green labels typically mark produce.
- White labels are used in frozen foods.
- Yellow labels are common throughout the store for regular items.
Labels marked “limited time” or “seasonal” warn that items won’t be available long. A yellow label with a blue “New at Aldi” sticker means a newly stocked item that might become permanent. A yellow label with red text indicates a discounted product, while blue labels highlight seasonal offerings. The most sought-after bargains are white labels with red text, often marked “Aldi Finds,” flagging popular but limited-availability deals.
Aldi also uses other eye-catching indicators. Red-and-white “Aldi Savers” labels mark temporary discounts. Occasionally, a handwritten “Prices so low” sticker signals a markdown. For perishable items like meat, bread, or baked goods, Aldi often applies discount stickers directly, helping bargain-hunters spot fresh deals at a glance.
Walmart: The truth behind ‘Everyday Low Prices’ and clearance
As North America’s largest retailer, Walmart also hides plenty of details in its price tags. For years, many believed that prices ending in the digit “1” — for example, $7.01 — meant an item had reached its lowest possible price. In reality, according to deal site “The Krazy Coupon Lady,” which confirmed this with store managers, that’s not true. To verify a price, the best bet is still to ask a store associate directly.
Another common ending is $0.97, which usually signals Walmart’s “Everyday Low Prices” — long-term low pricing. But not all $0.97 endings mean the same thing. Some “Rollback” promotions also end in $0.97, reminding shoppers not to rely solely on the last two digits to judge a deal.
Clearance items follow their own rules. Walmart’s clearance markdowns typically happen on a monthly cadence until the product sells out or reaches a set price threshold. The date shown on the price tag indicates the most recent markdown, and savvy shoppers often read it to decide whether to wait for the next scheduled drop.
“Rollback” tags — the red labels Walmart uses — usually reflect temporary discounts tied to vendor rebates or excess inventory. These offers tend to last only a few weeks, so if you see something you need, it’s best to buy it right away.
Shoppers are also advised to prepare lists before visiting Walmart to cut down on repeat trips and make sure they don’t miss essentials while chasing markdowns.
Bottom line
Costco’s savings hacks center on spotting price endings and the asterisk. Aldi’s secrets lie in color-coded labels and “Aldi Finds.” Walmart requires understanding the myths about price endings and the cadence of clearance markdowns.
Each chain has its quirks, but they all leave coded hints in their price tags. Those who can decode these signals gain the upper hand in saving money.
Price tags may be small, but they hold real wisdom. With a bit of attention, shoppers can rack up meaningful savings without even noticing. In a time of persistent inflation and rising daily costs, learning to read these “price-tag ciphers” not only helps you score deals but also makes every dollar stretch further — smart shopping at its best.
