Popular Item Leaving Minnesota Costco Stores: Here’s What You Need to Know

The rumor is true.  A big change is happening in January at one of the biggest bulk stores in the United States.  Costco stores everywhere, including in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, are eliminating an entire category of items for the majority of the year, starting in January 2025.

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Costco Is Eliminating An Entire Category of Products at Stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

I was just at Costco the other day, doing what I do best there...spending too much money.  As I was waiting in the line to check out, I walked by the pillows, then the bath towels, and got to the long area with the books and told my boys, "I really should read a book.  It's been a bit.".  I didn't see any that were calling my name right then and told myself that the next time I come in to shop, I'll look a little bit longer.  Well, I'd better get crackin' at this new lifestyle change because based on the latest info I'm hearing, those books won't be around for long.

Is It Really True That Costco Is Eliminating Books at Stores in the United States?

Back in June, the New York Times reported that some anonymous individuals in the publishing world stated that Costco was looking at removing books starting in January 2025.  According to Yahoo, it appears that what was just a rumor back in June is official for about 500 Costco stores.

Do People Still Read Actual Books?

Short answer - yes.  54% of Americans picked up an actual book last year and read it cover to cover.  If that is you and the news about Costco brings you pain, there is a sliver of good news.  About 100 Costco stores will still have books at their stores.  If sales at those locations go well, we may see books return at other stores.

Why Is Costco Stopping The Sales of Books In Its Stores For The Majority Of The Year?

A note in the story that was published by USAToday indicated that the reason behind this change was because unboxing books is not a simple task.  Well, it is, but unboxing and stacking each one by hand is not as easy as that giant pallet of toilet paper that can just get rolled out and shoved in the back.  Why they can't just put books on a pallet, open the boxes and leave them in the aisle is lost on me, but this is a change that has already happened in other states.  Back in 2022, Alaska and Hawaii Costco stores got rid of books.