Lucinda's post | Quora

The Magic of the "Costco Hour": Why It’s My Favorite Weekly Ritual Okay, let’s be real: if you haven’t experienced the pure, unfiltered joy of a “Costco hour” yet, you are seriously missing out. I’m not even exaggerating! You know that feeling when you find a new binge-worthy show and you can’t stop until you’ve devoured every episode? That’s me, every Saturday morning at Costco. Just give me one solid hour in that warehouse wonderland, and my entire week feels brighter. What is the “Costco Hour” Anyway? So here’s the deal: “Costco hour” is my self-invented, sacred block of time that I set aside each week to roam the endless aisles of Costco. No rushing, no kids tugging at my sleeve (sorry, little monsters!), just me and my cart, living our best lives. Some people meditate, some people do yoga—I do Costco hour. It’s my happy place, and trust me, it’s therapeutic. Why I’m Obsessed with This Ritual First of all, let’s talk about the vibe. You walk in, and bam! That slightly chilly air, the soft hum of shopping carts, and the smell of rotisserie chicken wafting from the back. I swear, that chicken smell is better than any scented candle. And don’t even get me started on the free samples—sometimes I plan my visit around the hope that it’s “dumpling day” at the sample stand. I love the thrill of the hunt, too. There’s something exhilarating about spotting a mega-pack of paper towels or that seasonal item you never knew you needed until now. One time, I found this giant jar of Nutella (not even kidding—it was the size of my head), and I swear it was like striking gold. My friends still talk about my “Nutella summer.” The Little Details That Make It Special I have this whole routine: I always start in the bakery (because what’s life without carbs?), then hit the electronics section just to dream a little, and finally make my way to the snack aisle. Sometimes I bump into fellow Costco hour warriors—there’s this silent nod of respect between us, like, “Yeah, we get it. We’re in the club.” And let’s not forget the epic checkout lines. They can be intimidating, but there’s something comforting about the shared experience. We’re all in this together, pushing carts loaded with enough toilet paper to last a small army. The cashiers? Absolute legends. They scan items at lightning speed, and I always try to make them laugh—bonus points if they ask me about my jelly bean collection (yes, I buy a bag every week). How “Costco Hour” Became My Self-Care I know it might sound silly, but setting aside that one hour for myself each week changed my life. It’s my little escape from the chaos. The world outside might be wild, but inside Costco, time slows down and I get to focus on simple joys—like picking out a new flavor of granola bars or discovering a discount on fancy cheese. Plus, there’s a special kind of satisfaction in leaving with a trunk full of bulk goodies and the knowledge that I won’t have to buy toilet paper for the next three months. It’s like winning at adulting. My Hot Tips for the Ultimate Costco Hour Go early—right when they open. The crowds are thinner and the deals are fresher. Make a list…but be flexible. Sometimes Costco has surprises you didn’t even know you needed. Leave room in your cart for impulse buys (just trust me on this one). Don’t skip the sample stands. You might discover your new favorite snack. Treat yourself to a hotdog or a slice of pizza on the way out. It’s basically a tradition. Final Thoughts: Join the Costco Hour Movement! So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a little “me time,” give the Costco hour a try. Who knows? You might find it as magical as I do. And if you see someone happily wheeling a mountain of snacks through the aisles, there’s a good chance it’s me—come say hi! Life is short. Buy the giant jar of Nutella. Make the Costco hour your weekly therapy. And remember: happiness really can be found in a bulk pack.