Shopping Cart Contrasts

Background: Costco, known for its all-encompassing inventory, has now stepped into the glittering arena of precious metals. Analysts at Wells Fargo estimate that Costco is selling as much as $200 million per month in gold. Gold has risen more than 13% in 2024, going for about 2,350 an ounce.

It might seem strange to pick up an ounce of gold with your 48 oz jar of Minced Garlic and 24 pack of paper towels, but it's not the first time a store offered something unexpected.

How about a 10K ball of yarn from Tiffany?

Deja Vu: The Tiffany & Co. "Everyday Objects" collection was launched in 2017 as part of an effort to rebrand and modernize the company's image. This collection turned ordinary items into luxury goods, highlighting the company's craftsmanship and attention to detail. It included items such as a sterling silver tin can, a silver and walnut yarn ball, a gold and silver paper clip bookmark, and a sterling silver "crazy straw."

The reception of the "Everyday Objects" collection was mixed (as receptions often are). On one hand, it captured significant media attention and was celebrated for its whimsy and the high-quality craftsmanship that Tiffany is known for. On the other hand, it also faced criticism due to the perceived absurdity of turning everyday items into prohibitively expensive luxury goods.

Fact: The company said the collection was "born out of the notion that beautiful things should not be limited to special occasions," adding that the "covetable accessories possess a whimsical wink that is quintessentially Tiffany."

Following the introduction of the Everyday Items collection, same-store sales rose 3% percent in the final two months of 2017. According to the Tiffany website, several items from the collection completely sold out, including the pencil holders and rulers.

Profile: Elsa Peretti

Elsa Peretti was a pioneering jewelry designer known for her clean, elegant designs that revolutionized the way jewelry was perceived and worn. Born in Florence, Italy, in 1940, she began her career as a model in Barcelona and later in New York. It was in New York in the 1960s that she started creating new jewelry designs, and her work quickly caught the eye of the fashion industry.

In 1974, Peretti became a key figure at Tiffany & Co., where she introduced several iconic collections. Her designs were innovative for their organic, fluid shapes that were inspired by nature and everyday objects. Among her most famous creations are the Bone Cuff bracelet, which elegantly wraps around the wrist in a smooth, ergonomic design, and the Open Heart, which is one of her simplest yet most evocative shapes.

Beyond her aesthetic contributions, Peretti also focused on the tactile quality of her pieces. She wanted her designs to be as pleasing to touch as they were to the eye, making the wearer constantly aware and delighted by the piece.

Vogue called her "arguably the most successful woman ever to work in the jewelry field.”

Number: 145,000 sq ft.

The average size of a Costco warehouse is about 145,000 square feet, roughly the size of three football fields.

List: …And I Said What About Everyday Items From Tiffany’s

• Bone China "Paper" Cups: $250

  These cups mimic the look of disposable paper coffee cups but are made from fine bone china, elevating a common item into a chic household piece.

• Gold Vermeil Crazy Straw, $350 
  A fun and luxurious twist on the classic bendy straw for an extravagant sipping experience.

• Sterling Silver Tape Measure, $450
  A functional tape measure encased in sterling silver

• Sterling Silver Building Brick, $1650/brick 
  A playful yet luxurious take on the classic LEGO brick, made from sterling silver.

• Leather and Sterling Silver Ping Pong Paddles, $7,000 

  Elevating a casual sport to high-end recreation, these table tennis paddles paired sterling silver and walnut.

Recommended Reading: Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style
Open the world's most famous little blue box to discover the story of Tiffany & Co. since its founding in 1837. Packed with photographs and information from the company's 185 years, get a glimpse of the legendary designs that have made Tiffany & Co. a household name.