Closing a chapter: Costco is set to end year-round book sales at most of its stores next month

On By Littum

Costco closes the book on year-round sales of physical novels.

The bulk retailer is looking to end constant book sales at 500 of its 600 stores across the U.S., according to reports. Starting in January, Costco will remove the book section from most stores.

Book sales will only return during the holiday season and other select times of the year.

Costco officials said they are making the switch because storing books on tables is labor-intensive and must be done by hand — unlike other items that can be loaded with forklifts, according to the New York Times.

Consumers have also turned to buying books on Amazon rather than big-box retailers.

The popular store says that if book sales do well in the stores where they remain, it may return to stores. But if they continue to falter, several book sections could get the axe.

Costco looks set to end year-round book sales at most of its stores next month
Costco looks set to end year-round book sales at most of its stores next month (Reuters)

Managers at the retailer are also keeping an eye on how book sales are doing at competitors, including Taylor Swift: The Era Tour book sold exclusively at Target, according to Publisher’s Weekly.

Costco continues to make changes as they navigate the consumer market. Earlier this year, the company announced that member ID cards would have to be scanned for access. The retailer also increased membership fees, with most increasing by about $5. A Gold Star account went from $60 to $65 in September.

Despite the changes, Costco’s popular hot dogs have not had their prices changed. They still cost $1.50, the same as in the 1980s when the stores first opened.