If You See a Smiley Face on Your Costco Receipt, Here’s Why
Updated: Apr. 18, 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. And 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 receipts? Here’s what we found out.
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Why does Costco draw smiley faces on receipts?
If your Costco draws smiley faces on receipts, count yourself lucky. The workers may just be trying to make your day (or your child’s day). Like this TikTok from @peepmyfamily shows, kids may 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
And let’s be honest: This isn’t just for kids. As the TikTok video below shows, even 18-year-olds still get excited over seeing a smiley face on their Costco receipt. And, hey, we can’t blame ’em!
@mel.21.m No shame i love the happy face 🤪 #fyp #foryoupage #costco #happyface ♬ original sound – ✯
In case you were wondering, Costco isn’t the only grocery store that tries to bring smiles to children’s (and adults’) faces. Trader Joe’s has a secret stuffed-animals scavenger hunt for kids around its stores, an endearing way to add some sunshine to people’s 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 often depends on individual employees.
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 weren’t allowed to draw smiley faces on receipts at all.
Not finding a signature grin can be a little disappointing, we know. But that means finding one is even more special. Next time you make a Costco run, fingers crossed that your receipt has a little extra cheer!
Source:
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WBTV: “Costco bans smiley faces on customer receipts”
