You’ve just finished your Costco run.
Carts emptied.
Gas tank full (thanks to that $600 worth of groceries).
Receipt in hand.
And then you see it.
There, at the bottom of the long strip of paper — surrounded by itemized totals and membership numbers — is a simple, hand-drawn:
: )
A smiley face.
Not printed.
Not digital.
But drawn — in pen, marker, or sometimes even crayon.
It’s unexpected.
It’s charming.
It’s oddly touching.
And if you’re like most people, you pause.
You smile back.
And you think:
“Who drew this? Why? And why does it make me feel so… seen?”
Let’s explore the sweet, unofficial tradition of the smiley face on a Costco receipt — and why this tiny doodle says so much about the people behind the register.
😊 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:
