If you’re an avid reader and a frequent Costco shopper, your trips to the warehouse club are about to change. Starting in January 2025, Costco will no longer sell books year-round in most of its stores, which means the beloved Costco book table may become a thing of the past, depending on when you shop.
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The Iconic Costco Book Table is Disappearing
The Costco book table has long been a favorite spot for shoppers to discover everything from Reese Witherspoon book club picks to top-selling cookbooks during routine grocery runs. However, according to The New York Times, the retailer recently informed publishing executives that it will stop selling books year-round in all stores starting in January 2025. Instead, books will only return to Costco shelves during the holiday season, from September to December.
This change has left Costco fans disappointed. A TikTok video posted by ABC News on December 3, 2024, sparked significant reaction from shoppers who shared their frustration in the comments. “No!! I love the table of books,” one user lamented, while another called it “a horrible decision.” Many shoppers highlighted that Costco’s book prices were the most affordable, making them perfect for gifts.
Why is Costco Stopping Year-Round Book Sales?
Costs and labor challenges appear to be the driving factors behind Costco’s decision. The New York Times reported that publishing executives cited the labor-intensive nature of stocking books by hand as a key issue. This continual manual turnover process likely contributed to the retailer’s choice to scale back book offerings.
Impact on Readers and Publishers
Costco’s decision doesn’t just affect shoppers – it’s also a significant blow to publishers. Robert Gottlieb, literary agent and chairman at Trident Media Group, emphasized the importance of Costco as a major retail outlet for books. “Costco across the country was a big outlet for books,” Gottlieb explained in an interview with The New York Times. “There are now fewer and fewer places to buy books in a retail environment.”
Will Any Stores Still Sell Books Year-Round?
While the majority of Costco locations will eliminate year-round book sales, there may be exceptions. According to a Publishers Weekly report from November 2024, Costco plans to keep books in 100 of its more than 600 stores throughout the year. However, the chain has not publicly confirmed this decision, and if the report is accurate, hundreds of Costco stores will still lose their regular book tables.
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What This Means for Costco Shoppers
For book-loving Costco shoppers, the upcoming changes will mean fewer opportunities to grab a discounted bestseller or a surprise find during routine shopping trips. However, the retailer’s decision to bring books back for the holiday season may soften the blow for those looking for affordable gifts.
If Costco is one of your go-to places for books, now might be the time to stock up and enjoy the last days of the iconic book table before it disappears in January 2025.
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