I’ve got some intriguing news today about Costco and its plans regarding book sales.
The retail giant has decided to stop selling books regularly at its wholesale clubs from January through August starting next year. This change, reported by the New York Times, has certainly caught the attention of many, especially in the publishing world.
So, why is Costco making this move? According to publishing executives, the decision is partly due to the additional cost of stocking books. Unlike most items at Costco, which can be simply rolled out on pallets for easy access, books are typically displayed on tables. This setup requires more effort and labor from Costco employees, adding to operational costs.
Now, here’s the kicker: Costco isn’t completely giving up on books. They plan to stock books regularly only during the holiday season, from September through December. This period is prime time for book sales, as many people buy books as gifts or for holiday reading. Outside of these months, Costco might still sell books occasionally but not as a regular staple.
This change could have a significant impact on publishers. Costco’s bulk orders are massive, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of copies of a single book.
Losing these regular orders could be a big financial hit for publishers who have relied on Costco’s bulk purchasing.
Publishers Weekly has noted that Costco has been a major bookseller for decades. However, the industry has been aware for some time that Costco was gradually pulling back on book sales. This latest move seems to be a continuation of that trend.
The reduction in book sales from Costco means publishers will need to look for alternative ways to reach their audience and make up for the potential loss in sales. This could involve more focus on other retail partners, online sales, or even direct-to-consumer models.
