Costco warehouses to see layout change in weeks – entire sections will vanish in a move branded ‘strange’ by shoppers
In the upcoming weeks, hundreds of COSTCO warehouses will undergo a layout modification that customers will soon notice.
Executives disclosed in the summer that wholesalers would not sell books all year long.
In January of next year, this policy change will take effect, according to The New York Times.
Executives disclosed that the decision was made solely to sell books from September to December.
Members would then be able to purchase their favorite books as Christmas and Thanksgiving gifts.
According to an executive, some establishments may occasionally sell books but not frequently.
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Although the regulation will be implemented nationwide, Costco executives have already taken books off the shelf in their shops in Alaska and Hawaii.
But according to a Publisher’s Weekly estimate, books will be offered at 100 outlets throughout the year.
Costco has not responded to the rumors.
Costco has been contacted by the U.S. Sun for comment.
However, some have expressed disapproval of the wholesaler’s plan to discontinue year-round book sales.
Odd, a customer shared on Facebook.
Costco’s New Membership Policy: A ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ for Shoppers?
Bookworms acknowledged that having Barnes & Noble stores close by was a relief.
Some people worry that purchasing books from stores like Costco is going extinct.
I hate to say it, but a customer stated that the home library is no longer relevant.
Customers have talked about how the audiobook market has affected them.
One customer remarked, “I haven’t read a book from start to finish in a long time.
When I do want to read a book, I can receive it from my library in a week or two thanks to Audible.
On Reddit, the decision to cease year-round book sales was greeted with contempt.
Customers recalled how wonderful the children’s area was.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Customers must abide by stringent guidelines when using Costco’s membership, and in recent years, the company has been tough on violators.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Costco is credited.
Dedicated readers reported that their favorite area of the warehouse was the books department.
Only 4% of book sales come from outlets like Costco, according to Publishers Weekly research that USA Today was able to access.
Additionally, Costco’s Canadian locations have been reducing their book sales, according to the outlet.
Costco’s decision to reduce its reading section isn’t the only thing making headlines.
According to the U.S. Sun, earlier this year, bosses increased the cost of a membership for the first time in seven years.
A typical subscription used to cost $60, but now it costs $65 instead.
According to BJ’s Wholesale Club, membership fees will increase in the upcoming year.
Costco has come under fire for cracking down on customers who don’t have a membership.
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For implementing a new rule that requires customers to scan their membership cards rather than present them to a staff person, the wholesaler has come under fire.
Outrage has also been sparked by the need that people without a photo on their card provide further identification.
Costco’s membership scanners
At the doors to its stores, Costco has installed membership scanners.
The retailer posted a statement regarding the scanners on their website in August 2024.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it stated.
“Once deployed, all members must scan their membership card—either digital or physical—by pressing the barcode or QR code against the scanner before they can enter.
“In order to enter, guests must also be accompanied by a current member.
“An attendant is always there to help at the door if you have any queries or concerns!
“The attendant will ask you to visit the membership counter before you enter the warehouse to shop if your membership is inactive, has expired, or you would like to create a new one.
Additionally, please be ready to present a legitimate photo ID if your membership card lacks one.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card.”
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