Costco has decided to stop selling books year-round in most of its stores, a move that has surprised many loyal shoppers. Known for offering bestselling novels, cookbooks, children’s stories, and more at discounted prices, the warehouse club has long been a go-to destination for casual readers and book lovers alike. While books won’t completely disappear from Costco’s shelves, they will only be available during select times of the year. This change raises many questions about why the company is making this decision and what it means for shoppers, publishers, and the future of book retailing.
Yes, but not entirely. Costco is scaling back book sales and will no longer stock them consistently throughout the year. Instead, books will only be available seasonally, mainly around the holidays when demand is highest. This means that while shoppers might still find books at Costco occasionally, they won’t see the dedicated book section they’ve been used to.
For now, yes—just not in the same way. Books will be available during peak shopping periods, but they won’t have a permanent place on Costco’s shelves. This shift means that members who regularly browsed Costco’s book selection will have fewer chances to find new reads while doing their shopping.
Yes, Costco has confirmed that it will no longer sell books consistently throughout the year. This decision is part of a broader strategy to optimize shelf space and focus on products with steady, high-volume sales. While books have been a popular category, Costco operates on a warehouse model that prioritizes efficiency, and books simply don’t sell as quickly as other items.
The decision comes down to changing consumer habits and Costco’s business model. More people are buying books online, either in digital formats or from e-commerce giants like Amazon. This shift has made it harder for Costco to justify dedicating shelf space to books when other products move faster and generate higher profits. Additionally, managing book inventory is more complex than other bulk items, as titles need to be rotated frequently to keep selections fresh. By limiting books to seasonal sales, Costco can streamline operations while still catering to peak demand periods.
Costco has been a major player in the book retail industry, often stocking bestsellers in large quantities. Having a book featured at Costco has been a significant sales boost for many authors and publishers, helping titles reach a wide audience. With this change, publishers will have to adjust their strategies and find new ways to distribute their books. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and independent bookstores could see a rise in demand from customers who previously relied on Costco for their book purchases.
Many Costco members are disappointed by the news, especially those who enjoyed discovering new books while shopping for household essentials. For years, Costco’s book section has been a convenient way to pick up the latest bestsellers at a discount. Now, shoppers may have to look elsewhere, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or local bookstores, to find their favorite reads. Some customers, however, understand the decision, recognizing that Costco must prioritize its most profitable items.
Even though books won’t be available year-round, Costco isn’t giving up on them entirely. Shoppers can expect to see a selection of books during key shopping seasons, especially around the holidays. These selections will likely focus on bestsellers, children’s books, and gift-friendly titles. While this won’t replace the experience of browsing a dedicated book section all year long, it does mean that books will still be part of the Costco shopping experience—just in a more limited way.
Costco’s move is part of a larger trend in the retail world. As more consumers shift to online shopping, brick-and-mortar retailers are reevaluating their product offerings. Many stores are focusing on high-demand, fast-moving inventory to stay competitive. Costco, which operates on a high-volume, low-margin business model, needs to make sure that every item on its shelves contributes to its bottom line. Since book sales don’t generate as much consistent revenue as other categories, they were a natural choice for downsizing.
For Costco shoppers who relied on the warehouse club for their book purchases, there are plenty of alternatives. Amazon offers an extensive selection of books, often with fast shipping and competitive prices. Barnes & Noble remains a strong option for those who prefer to shop in person, while Target continues to carry a curated selection of books. Independent bookstores also provide a great way to support local businesses while discovering new titles.
While Costco has committed to scaling back book sales, there’s always a chance that the company could reconsider if customer demand proves strong enough. If shoppers voice their disappointment and seasonal book sales perform exceptionally well, Costco might revisit its decision. However, for now, the retailer seems set on focusing its efforts on higher-turnover products.
Costco’s decision to stop selling books year-round is a notable shift in its retail strategy. While books have been a staple in its stores for years, changing shopping habits and business priorities have led to this change. Customers who loved browsing Costco’s book section will now have to adjust to a more limited selection, mainly available during the holidays. Though disappointing for many, this move is part of a broader trend in retail, where businesses are adapting to new consumer behaviors and focusing on their most profitable products.
While Costco won’t be a year-round book retailer anymore, books aren’t disappearing completely. Seasonal selections will still be available, providing some opportunities for shoppers to find great reads at a discount. The question now is whether customer demand will be strong enough to bring books back as a permanent fixture—or if this change marks the beginning of the end for books at Costco.