The retail landscape is becoming more exclusive. Many of the best deals and most popular products are now locked behind a membership paywall. Companies use this strategy to build a loyal customer base. They want to ensure a steady stream of revenue from annual fees. This shift means that you can no longer simply walk into any store and buy whatever you want. Access to these seven popular items now requires you to have a membership card in your wallet.
1. Kirkland Signature Products
Costco’s private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, has a cult-like following. The brand is famous for its high-quality products at a low price. This includes everything from coffee and olive oil to clothing and diapers. However, these products are a key part of Costco’s business model. They are completely exclusive to the warehouse club. You cannot buy them without a paid Costco membership.
2. Discounted Gas from a Warehouse Club
One of the biggest perks of a Costco or a Sam’s Club membership is access to their gas stations. These stations consistently offer some of the lowest gas prices in town. This perk, however, is strictly for members only. You must scan your membership card at the pump to even begin fueling your car. This makes cheap gas a product that non-members cannot buy.
3. Amazon’s Prime Day Deals
Amazon’s Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year. The online retailer offers thousands of deep discounts on popular products. However, these deals are completely locked away from the general public. Only paying members of the Amazon Prime program can access and purchase the Prime Day deals. The event is a powerful tool to drive new membership sign-ups.
4. The Famous $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken
The rotisserie chicken from Costco is a legendary bargain. The company sells a large, delicious, fully cooked chicken for just $4.99. This is a “loss leader” item designed to get people into the store. Like all other products inside the warehouse, you must be a member to walk in and purchase one. This makes the famous chicken an exclusive, members-only product.
5. REI’s “Garage Sale” Used Gear
The outdoor retailer REI holds popular “Garage Sale” events. Members can buy lightly used or returned gear at a massive discount. These sales are a huge perk for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. However, these events are exclusively for REI Co-op members. You cannot even get into the sale without showing your membership card.
6. Exclusive Streaming Content
In the modern era, digital content is a product. A show like “The Boys” or “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is a major draw for Amazon’s Prime Video service. You cannot buy these shows on their own. Access is a product that is bundled with the Amazon Prime membership. This makes a huge library of popular TV shows and movies a members-only item.
7. The Best Prescription Prices at Club Stores
While anyone can use a Costco or Sam’s Club pharmacy, the absolute lowest prices on prescription drugs are often reserved for paying members. The stores have their own prescription drug savings programs. These offer an extra layer of discounts on top of their already low prices. This makes the best possible price on a medication a members-only benefit.
The New Age of Exclusive Retail
The trend of locking the best products and prices behind a membership paywall is growing. Retailers have found that it is a powerful way to create a loyal and captive audience. It forces customers to make a financial commitment to their brand. For shoppers, it means that the cost of access is now a part of the price of the product itself. The simple act of shopping is no longer free for everyone.
What to Read Next
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- 7 Grocery Items Costco Members Are Complaining About in 2025
- 9 Costco Items That Aren’t Worth Renewing Your Membership For
- 8 Ways Membership Clubs Can Overpromise and Underdeliver (And How to Assess Value)
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