Costco Wholesale Brings Apple iPods, iPads and iTunes Gift Cards Back To Store Shelves

Shortly after the debut of the iPhone 5s at Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ:COST), the rest of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) device family has returned to the warehouse retailer's shelves, ending a four-year absence.

Costco earlier this week began selling the iPhone 5s (a discounted 16GB model with a two-year contract starts at $77.99, much less than the $199 currently asked by wireless providers). Now, just one day later, the wholesale retailer has begun stocking iPod Touches, iPod Nanos, iTunes Gift Cards, Wi-Fi iPad Airs and iPad Minis. The deals currently are available only to warehouse club members on AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile networks.

In addition to the iPhone 5s and 5c, Costco is also selling the iPad. Unlike the heavily discounted 16GB iPhone 5s and 5c sold through Costco, the non-cellular enabled Apple devices have only seen small discounts, ranging from $15 to $50. But those looking to purchase non-cellular enabled iPads have the added benefit of a free $40 iTunes Gift Card that comes with select iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina models.

Costco stopped selling Apple products in 2010. The company, based in Issaquah, Washington, made a similar move in 2009 when it temporarily removed Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) products from its shelves reportedly over a pricing disagreement.

In addition to the return of Apple products to Costco, the retailer has also gained the Apple Authorized Reseller designation. That means Apple products purchased through Costco receive the same warranty benefits as if it they were purchased directly from Apple.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) said Friday that it was dropping the price of its iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models to $99 and $29 from $149 and $49. Two-year activation is required for AT&T, Sprint or Verizon and each phone has 16 GB of memory. The discounts are only available in stores.

More retailers are likely to offer similar deals ahead of the expected fall launch of the iPhone 6.

You can view the full selection of Apple devices available at Costco through its official website. A Costco membership is required to view the prices.