Costco, the beloved warehouse giant, is known for its incredible deals, bulk buys, and loyal customer base. As we move further into 2024, members will notice some significant changes that could impact their shopping experience.
From leadership shifts to new policies and store innovations, Costco is set to make waves in the retail world this year. These changes are essential to know before your next trip. Here’s a deep dive into the 11 major changes coming to Costco in 2024 that you need to be aware of.
The 11 Changes You Need to Know
1. Rotisserie Chicken Packaging Switch Costco’s legendary $4.99 rotisserie chicken is now packaged in environmentally friendly plastic bags, replacing the familiar clear containers. This change, aimed at reducing plastic use by 75%, has sparked mixed reactions among members who value both sustainability and convenience.
2. A Change in Leadership 2024 saw a significant leadership transition at Costco. Craig Jelinek stepped down as CEO after more than a decade, with longtime Costco executive Ron Vachris stepping into the role. Additionally, Richard Galanti, the longtime CFO, was succeeded by Gary Millerchip, formerly of Kroger. These leadership changes are likely to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the company.
3. Food Court Policy Changes Starting in April, non-members will no longer be allowed to purchase items from Costco’s food courts in certain locations. This move is part of Costco’s effort to manage overcrowding, particularly in food courts that are easily accessible to the public.
4. New Membership Card Scanners Costco is piloting membership card scanners at its flagship warehouse in Issaquah, Washington. These devices verify membership upon entry, displaying the member’s photo for staff to check. If successful, this technology could roll out to more locations, tightening access control.
5. Food Court Menu Updates Costco’s food court menu is seeing some notable changes. The new Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie has replaced the churro, and a turkey sandwich has taken the place of the controversial roast beef sandwich. Additionally, chocolate ice cream is now available, but at the expense of the beloved strawberry flavor.
6. Fresh Sushi Expansion Kirkland Signature Sushi, freshly made on-site, is expanding beyond the Issaquah warehouse to two more locations in 2024. This move could make Costco a surprising new destination for sushi lovers.
7. Price Decreases on Essentials Amidst inflation concerns, Costco has lowered prices on several key items, including batteries, reading glasses, and frozen fruit. While some prices, like those of olive oil, have increased, the overall trend aims to keep Costco competitive for budget-conscious shoppers.
8. A Surge in Store Openings Costco plans to open 30 new warehouses in 2024, including locations in the U.S. and abroad. This expansion will bring the total number of stores closer to the 900 milestone, offering more members access to the Costco experience.
9. App and Online Improvements Costco is enhancing its digital offerings, with a focus on improving its app and website. Key updates include a redesigned digital membership card, a more user-friendly search bar, and the introduction of a digital optical store. Expect even more features, like barcode scanning and online inventory lookup, to roll out later this year.
10. Membership Price Hike A membership fee increase is on the horizon, though the exact timing remains uncertain. While Costco has hinted at this change for over a year, the strong performance of the company has delayed its implementation. However, with new leadership in place, a fee hike could come sooner rather than later.
11. A New Store Concept Costco is planning a mega-warehouse in Fresno, California, that will combine standard shopping with online order fulfillment. This massive 241,000-square-foot location will include a drive-thru car wash, a gas station, and nearly 900 parking spots, setting a new standard for warehouse retail.
Conclusion
As Costco continues to evolve in 2024, these changes reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the shopping experience for its members. Whether it’s the introduction of new products, changes in store policies, or digital advancements, being aware of these updates will help you make the most of your Costco membership. Keep an eye out for these changes the next time you visit—your shopping experience might just look a little different this year!
