Book lovers and bargain hunters will soon face a significant change at Costco, as the retailer plans to stop selling books in most of its U.S. stores starting in January 2025. This decision will affect the vast majority of Costco’s 600-plus locations across the United States, with books only available in select locations during specific times of the year, including the holiday season and other intermittent periods.
End of an Era for Costco’s Book Sections
The popular Costco book section, known for offering discounted bestsellers, cookbooks, and children’s books, will be removed from most stores beginning in January. The company’s decision to scale back on its book sales has been confirmed to publishers, who were informed over the summer, as reported by The New York Times. The books will return to shelves during the holiday season, from September through December, but will no longer be a permanent fixture in stores year-round.
While the change will be a disappointment for many Costco customers, the company is not completely abandoning books. Around 100 Costco locations across the country will continue to offer books on a more permanent basis, providing a smaller but consistent selection. This decision marks a shift from Costco’s previous plans to eliminate books altogether from its U.S. stores.
Factors Behind the Change
Several factors appear to have influenced Costco’s decision to scale back its book offerings. The rise of online book shopping, particularly through major platforms like Amazon, has made it increasingly difficult for brick-and-mortar stores like Costco to compete in the book market. Additionally, changing consumer preferences and the expansion of digital media have further contributed to the shift away from physical book sales.
Despite these challenges, Costco will continue to offer a limited selection of books during peak retail seasons, such as the holidays, when demand for books typically rises. This shift is in line with Costco’s broader strategy of focusing on high-demand, seasonal products and streamlining its offerings to match evolving customer needs.
Impact on Publishers and Customers
For publishers, the move signals a significant change in how their books will be marketed and distributed, particularly in bulk, to Costco’s widespread customer base. The reduced shelf space for books will also impact authors and publishing companies, many of whom relied on Costco as a key retail partner.
For customers, the decision is likely to leave a void in Costco’s offerings, especially for those who frequented the store for discounted books and gifts. While books will still be available at select locations, bargain hunters will need to adjust to a different shopping experience as Costco redefines its inventory.
Looking Ahead
As Costco reduces its book sales, the retailer’s focus will shift toward other high-demand categories and seasonal items. The decision marks the end of an era for Costco’s book section but also reflects larger trends in the retail and publishing industries. Customers will still have access to books during key shopping periods, but for most, the easy access to discounted titles at Costco will become a thing of the past.
