Sat Nov 30 14:20:00 UTC 2024: **Costco to Slash Book Selection in Most US Stores**
**Seattle, WA** – Costco Wholesale will significantly reduce its book selection in most of its US stores starting in January, according to multiple reports. The bulk retailer will remove book sections from over 500 stores, retaining them only in approximately 100 locations nationwide. The change is attributed to the labor-intensive nature of stocking books by hand, unlike other merchandise.
The decision comes as consumers increasingly purchase books online, a trend that has impacted brick-and-mortar retailers. While initially planned to be a complete removal of books from most stores, Costco may reverse course depending on sales performance. The retailer will monitor sales, particularly of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour book (exclusively sold at Target), to gauge consumer demand. Book sections may return to some or all stores seasonally if sales remain strong.
Costco has confirmed the change to publishers but has yet to publicly comment on the decision. The reduced book selection will be in effect until the holiday season (September to December), when temporary book displays are expected in the affected stores.
First Piper 