What the Smiley Face Really Means

That little : ) isn’t random.

It’s not a corporate mandate.

It’s not part of the receipt template.


It’s a personal gesture — drawn by the cashier, just for you.


And while Costco doesn’t officially track it, employees have used the smiley face for years as a silent thank you, a moment of connection, and a way to say:


“I see you.

You were patient.

You were kind.

I appreciate you.” 


It’s not for every customer.

It’s not for every transaction.


It’s for the ones where the interaction felt human.


Maybe you:


Said “thank you”

Helped load your own bags

Were patient during a price check

Made the cashier laugh

And in that moment, they reached for the pen — and added a tiny piece of joy to your day.


🔄 The Rise, Fall, and Return of the Smiley Face

The smiley face has had a rollercoaster history at Costco.


1990s–2000s: A beloved tradition — cashiers drew smiley faces, stars, even little hearts

Mid-2000s: Some stores discouraged it — concerns about consistency, professionalism, or speed

2010s–Today: A quiet revival — cashiers bring it back as a grassroots gesture of kindness

It’s never been an official policy.

It’s never been banned outright.


It’s just… a culture thing.


And like any culture, it ebbs and flows — depending on the store, the shift, and the person behind the counter.


🧠 Why It Matters More Than You Think

In a world of self-checkouts, digital receipts, and faceless transactions…


That little smiley face is humanity in ink. 


It reminds us that:


The person scanning your groceries is someone

Kindness is noticed

A small act can brighten someone’s day

And research shows that micro-moments of connection — like a smile, a thank you, or a doodle — boost mood, reduce stress, and build community.


So when a cashier draws a smiley face…


They’re not just marking a receipt.


They’re sharing a moment.


🖊️ Where Else You Might See It

While the receipt is the most common canvas, some cashiers get creative:


Bag handles

A quick “: )” on a grocery bag

Membership card

A tiny doodle after renewal

Price check slips

A star or heart with the total

Holiday receipts

Snowflakes, turkeys, or jack-o’-lanterns


It’s a quiet rebellion against the impersonal — a way to say, “I’m here. You’re not just a number.”


🛍️ How to “Earn” a Smiley Face (If You Want To)

You don’t need to ask for it.

You don’t need to tip (there’s no tipping at Costco!).


But if you want to increase your chances of seeing that little : )?


Try this:


Make eye contact and say “Hi”

Say “Thank you” — especially during busy times

Be patient if there’s a line or a price issue

Smile first

Kindness is contagious — even in a warehouse store.


🧠 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Most Powerful Thing in a Store Isn’t for Sale

We go to Costco for deals.

For bulk toilet paper.

For $1.50 hot dogs.


But we leave with more than groceries.


Sometimes, we leave with a hand-drawn smile on a receipt.


And that’s worth more than any discount.


Because in a world that feels increasingly automated and distant…


A tiny doodle says:

“I see you.

You matter.

Have a good day.” 


And once you notice it?


You’ll start looking for it.

You’ll smile when you see it.

You might even try to pass it on.


Because sometimes, the best things in life aren’t on sale.


They’re drawn in pen — at the bottom of a receipt.