Costco to stop selling books in majority of stores starting January

Costco, the bulk retailer known for its warehouse shopping experience, is set to end its year-round book sales at 500 of its 600 stores across the United States, according to reports. Starting in January, the store chain will remove its book section from most locations, with sales only returning during the holiday season and select times of the year.

The decision to scale back book offerings comes as the company shifts its focus to more efficient stocking practices. Costco officials explained that books require manual handling, as they are placed on tables by hand, unlike other products that can be stocked with forklifts, The New York Times reported.

As online shopping continues to dominate, Costco has seen a shift in consumer behavior, with many shoppers now turning to Amazon for book purchases instead of big-box retailers like Costco. Despite this, the company has left the door open for a possible return of books if sales at the remaining locations perform well. "If book sales do well at the stores where they remain, it could return to stores. But if they continue to lag, more book sections could get the ax," the company said.

Executives are also keeping a close eye on the success of book sales at competitors, particularly high-profile releases such as the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour book, which is being sold exclusively at Target, according to Publisher’s Weekly.

This move is part of a broader trend of changes Costco has made to adapt to shifting market demands. Earlier this year, the retailer announced that membership ID cards would now need to be scanned for entry, alongside a price increase in membership fees. The popular Gold Star membership went up by $5 in September, rising from $60 to $65.

As Costco continues to navigate the evolving retail landscape, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact its future operations and customer loyalty.