Costco’s Americana Staple Is Back —and Ready to Mystify Shoppers Again

For decades, Oregon-based Pendleton has been synonymous with rugged Americana aesthetics.

Part of its reputation stems from the key and, in some cases, controversial role the brand has played in popularizing bold, Native American-inspired patterns.

Then there’s the company’s long-standing connection with America’s National Parks, which started over 100 years ago.

Last, but certainly not least, is the brand’s history as one of the longest-standing American textile manufacturers. For over 160 years, it has produced luxurious, high-quality wool at the company’s namesake Pendleton, Oregon-based mill.

Given these points, it’s no wonder some shoppers are always surprised and excited to see Pendleton blankets being sold via a price-conscious retailer like Costco each fall. But there’s also a good reason why many savvier customers always question if these intriguing blankets are “real.“

Surprise and skepticism

Costco

Pendleton’s retail partnership with Costco isn’t new for 2025. In fact, the retailer and brand have collaborated for years to create a range of soft goods distinguished by the brand’s bold colors and patterns.

Yet, despite the variations between each year’s product run, public Costco customer feedback consistently aligns around two key themes.

Many are thrilled to share that they discovered a classic-looking and cozy Pendleton blanket that usually costs hundreds of dollars, being sold for a tenth of the price at Costco.

Others are inherently skeptical of the items and want to know how Costco can offer legit Pendleton-branded items at such affordable prices.

Familiar patterns, budget materials

Costco

Both reactions make total sense.

The chance to score a name-brand home staple for less than $30 is bound to spark initial excitement. However, there’s also a reason why these throw blankets are remarkably affordable, despite proudly bearing the Pendleton name.

Chief among them is that these reversible throws aren’t made from the famed wool the brand still mills in some quantities in Oregon. Instead, they’re made in China from soft but generic polyester – a.k.a. plastic.

Costco

Secondly, while at least one pattern in this year’s reversible plush throw collection matches the brand’s Grand Canyon National Park blanket, several other patterns are more generic in nature.

At least the five patterns included in this year’s reversible plus throws all look compelling in their own way, especially considering that each blanket technically offers two different looks depending on the exposed side.

A mixed reaction from buyers

Whether these facts limit the appeal of these blankets at all boils down to personal preference.

Clearly, plenty of buyers on Reddit have had positive things to say about the collaboration. “As someone who bought one, they are pretty much like an L.L. Bean fuzzy pullover for your bed. Made well and soft. If you take care of it, it should last a long time. Is it something you can beat the hell out of in the laundry? No, but you wouldn’t do that with an L.L. Bean pullover either. $40 for a King size blanket is a deal” one user noted.

Costco

Other owners have shared similar thoughts.

“I have a real wool Pendleton blanket and I also bought a couple of Costco versions last year and I can say after a year of my family using them (they’re our couch blankets so they get used regularly) and regular washing they have held up really well. They’re thicker than your average throw and very soft. And it’s my cats favorite biscuit making surface. I just thought having someone who can actually attest to the Costco blankets is important because I feel like there’s some snobbery if god forbid someone buy a Costco version. Lastly, they make great last minute holiday gifts. I 100% recommend them” shared user adm0210.

Not surprisingly though, others buyers have been less than impressed.

“Pendleton is legitimately a brand of quality — when you’re in the market for a wool blanket. They cost hundreds of dollars and make excellent family heirlooms. Unfortunately, the ones sold at Costco get you all the brand and none of the quality” shared another user who has since left Reddit.

Costco

But even the most cynical Reddit users can also acknowledge the business strategy behind it.

“Adding the Pendleton name to a bargain buy is genius. It’ d be like if Costco started selling a cheaper Rolex or Omega for a few hundred bucks. You’re still getting what you pay for, but the name makes people that know get all hot and bothered about it.” noted user Congenitallymissing.

User SpeedySparkRuby framed the decision-making in slightly kinder terms.

“The Pendleton Blankets that Costco sells are fine, they’re not the regular Pendleton blankets normally sells through their own website but a mass produced version of it. I won’t say it ruins the brand or anything, as I understand the logic behind the Costco exclusive line. Relatively inexpensive exposure for the brand and they know Costco customers love cheap chic stuff.”

Pricing and availability

Costco’s Pendleton Reversible Plush Throw is available now at select warehouses and online for a limited time. At just $25, it’s about as affordable as name-brand throw blankets can get, even if it isn’t the ridiculous bargain it seems to be at first glance.

Costco

Pendleton Reversible Plush Throw

• $25 at Costco

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