Tag Archives: Marketing Strategy

Platinum Bars are Costco’s Newest “Treasure”

Companies, , , ,

Costco, the big-box retail giant, has perfected the “treasure hunt” shopping experience—a strategy that keeps members coming back. This approach revolves around rotating inventory, limited-time deals, and strategically placed high-value items, making each visit feel like an adventure. As Costco’s founder, Jim Sinegal, said, “if you see it, you ought to buy it because chances are it ain’t going to be there next time.”

A recent example of a Costco “treasure” is the company’s foray into precious metals. The company recently began offering Swiss-made platinum bars exclusively to members. This was following the success of its gold bars in 2023, which generated over $100 million in sales during the first quarter. These high-value items exemplify the treasure hunt strategy, creating surprise, excitement, and urgency for customers.

Costco’s approach goes beyond metals however, and spans its entire operation. With around 4,000 items, compared to other retailers that carry over 20,000 items, or supermarkets with 40-50,000 items, Costco not only creates scarcity, but also ensures each item meets strict quality standards. Frequent product rotations and discounted premium goods add to the sense of discovery that encourages repeat visits and members buying items that aren’t necessarily on their “list.”

This treasure hunt strategy isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s key to Costco’s business model. By consistently refreshing its offerings and creating a dynamic shopping environment, Costco builds loyalty and keeps customers coming back. Customers shop longer, buy more products, and return more often. This approach sets Costco apart from online competitors and drives continued growth by turning shopping into a unique, ever-changing experience. Members are always wondering, what will I find next time?

Coke-Changing Colors

Consumerism, ,

Get Ready Canada

In Canada, Coca-Cola is going through a change. It is getting being prepped for summer with its new colored cans.  According to a recent article in Marketing Mag this move began a couple of weeks ago and has the cans being sold with a cool “thermosensitive ink” which reacts when the temperature of the can is “cold enough to drink.”

According to the beverage’s Quebec brand’s marketing manager, Denis Fertlatte, the reason for this new marketing strategy is as follows:  “The summer season is very important for both the soft drink and beer industries. We need to stand out and innovate to grab consumers’ attention and interest. Moreover, summer, with its warm and sunny weather, is the time to focus on the refreshing aspect of our product. So we came up with this new can.”

Coca-Cola Copy Cat?

There has been however, some slight criticism about the move; that this strategy has been used by other beverages already. But Ferlatte argued that even though the same technique was indeed being used he insisted that Coca-Cola Canada was “neither in the same category or targeting the same clientele, so we’re not worried about the comparison.”

This cool idea is to be found on a 335 ml can of coke in which a “white class Coke bottle turns red when the liquid reaches 8 degrees Celsius.”  But get in there fast since these will only be for sale until Labour Day.