If You See a Smiley Face on Your Costco Receipt, Here’s Why
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
It's a Costco tradition—but not at every store.
As Costco devotees are well-aware, employees never fail to check receipts at the door. In fact, since the chain’s opening in 1983, checking receipts has remained a Costco staple. It’s apparently not the chain’s only receipt custom.
Following a weekend Costco run, we came across a Costco receipt marked with a smiley face and became curious. Is this a common Costco practice? And if so, why do Costco workers draw smiley faces on its receipts? Here’s what we found.
Why does Costco draw smiley faces on receipts?
If your Costco draws a smiley face on your receipt, count yourself lucky. They may just be trying to make your day (or your child’s day). Like this TikTok from @peepmyfamily shows, kids may just come to expect—and adorably applaud—a beaming happy face on a Costco receipt. It’s too cute!
@peepmyfamily In the last couple of months hes caught on to what was going on and hes been so excited to get his smiley face ever since the first. Also he loves the samples lol #costco #costcotiktok #toddlersoftiktok #happy #toddlers #foryoupage #fyp ♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots
Costco isn’t the only grocery store to try and bring a smile to children’s faces. Trader Joe’s has a secret stuffed animals scavenger hunt for kids around its stores, too. It’s another example of a store’s endearing way to add some sunshine to daily errands.
Do all Costco stores draw smiley faces on receipts?
While this tradition certainly brings positivity to a shopping trip, not every Costco draws smiley faces on receipts. My local Costco confirmed that drawing smiley faces on receipts can really depend on the employee working, too.
This uncertainty around happy faces isn’t anything new. The Costco tradition has gone back and forth between active and inactive. In 2014, some stores reportedly banned the practice and Costco employees were no longer allowed to draw smiley faces.
Not finding a signature grin can be disappointing. Next time you make a Costco run, fingers crossed that your receipt has a little extra cheer!
