11 Warehouse Store Purchases That Might Not Be Worth the Savings, Experts Say

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and thanks to social media, is having a major moment. But try not to get ahead of yourself: A massive three-pound tub is a commitment, says Kristen Markel, a shopping expert and founder of Warehouse Wanderer. Finishing such a large container can be tricky, considering it only has a two-week shelf life. On a cottage cheese kick, or have a big, cottage cheese-loving family? Go for it, but otherwise, you may want to skip it on your warehouse-store run.

Condiments and Spices

We’ve all been enticed by the impressively low prices of condiments and spices at warehouse stores, but it’s not always the best move. Spices lose their flavor and potency over time, so hanging onto expired spices might result in unintentionally bland food. “Condiments and spices come in such large quantities that you’re likely not to use all of it before the shelf-life expires,” says Menning. Stick to smaller quantities instead, and your food will thank you.

Produce (That You Can't Freeze)

There’s no denying that warehouse stores offer some of the best prices on produce, but consider how much you actually need. “While produce is great to have, think about who’s going to eat it and how much,” says Dawn Menning, a registered nurse director for digital health at Nutu.

Overbuying produce leads to wasted money and unnecessary food waste in the long run. You can freeze some excess produce, such as berries, to make sure nothing gets wasted. But you should reconsider produce that cannot be frozen, such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery, and radishes.

Wall Art

Warehouse stores are often bursting with all kinds of decor for your home, including large prints and wall art that would be far more expensive purchased elsewhere. However, you may want to skip over these pieces, even if the price is right. “Art is supposed to bring life into a home, but mass-produced prints from warehouse clubs rarely do that,” says home interior expert Vanessa Carter. Instead, seek out local artists or more unique pieces that reflect your personal style.

Area Rugs

It can be tempting to pick up an inexpensive area rug at a warehouse store, but you should probably reconsider this purchase. “Though they may appear new and unrolled, many of those rugs can shed fibers faster than a dog in summer,” warns Carter.

Traditional rug retailers and high-quality furniture stores are a much better choice if you’re looking for rugs that are durable, stylish, and will breathe new life into your home.

Flour

With the exception of serious bakers, it’s usually not a good idea to buy flour from warehouse stores. Even though it may be cheaper by weight, it’s not always practical. “Unopened all-purpose flour lasts about a year," shares Markel. "But once opened, the shelf life drops to 6 to 8 months—less for whole grain flours." Most home bakers are better off with smaller grocery store bags, she says.

Home Décor and Furniture

One of the best things about warehouse stores is you never know exactly what you’ll find when you step inside—and in some cases, that includes home décor and inexpensive furniture pieces. As enticing as the assortment of candles, vases, and throw pillows may be, avoid adding them to your cart.

According to Carter, the quality of these items will likely have you replacing them earlier than anticipated, costing more money in the long run. Stick to trusted home décor retailers, even if they’re more expensive, or buy quality, unique pieces secondhand—both ways, your money will go much further.