Facebook Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.
Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting.
Twitter LinkedIn icon
LinkedIn Link icon An image of a chain link. It symobilizes a website link url.
Copy Link lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.
Save Article Icon A bookmarkThis story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .
Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview
As the third largest retailer in the world, it's safe to say that Costco has a loyal fan base.
Among the most dedicated fans are David and Susan Schwartz, who published a book about the store called "The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z."
The couple spent seven years traveling to over 200 locations to write the book, which details some quirky terms Costco members and employees often use.
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .
Understanding these terms can help anyone navigate Costco and get the most out of the shopping experience. For newcomers or anyone curious about Costco, here are the most common slang terms used at the chain, according to David and Susan.
AdvertisementDefinition: Items that shoppers have brought to the cashier or self-checkout machines (which are available in select stores) but have decided not to buy at the last minute.
Where you'll find it: In carts close to the checkout area.
According to the experts: "One of the jobs that the employees have is they pile this stuff up, and then somebody takes a trolley and puts it back where it goes," Susan said.
AdvertisementDefinition: An area where special promotional items are stacked next to a chain-link fence.
Where you'll find it: Next to the entrance of any Costco.
According to the experts: The items located on the fence change on a weekly or monthly basis. According to David and Susan, it originated in the 1990s when Costco merged with Price Club. They said the first location in San Diego had a random fence built by its previous owner.
"They said, 'It costs money to take it out. Let's just use it for merchandising.' And so, everywhere else since then, Costco warehouses have had a fence like this," Susan said.
AdvertisementDefinition: An employee's task of organizing a warehouse before members arrive and throughout opening hours.
Where you'll find it: All over Costco.
According to the experts: Costco employees begin getting a warehouse "showtime ready" around 4 a.m. before the warehouse opens at 10 a.m. It involves reorganizing the shelves, removing empty or near-empty cardboard boxes of items, and shifting things around using forklifts.
The process can be chaotic, as David and Susan witnessed during a behind-the-scenes visit to a warehouse in Sterling, Virginia.
"At 9:30, it is total pandemonium and chaos. You cannot believe what goes on. And at 9:45, boom, it's ready to go. It's showtime," David said.
Fun fact: The couple also said the biggest compliment you can give a Costco employee is that the section they are covering looks "showtime ready."
