Costco, the retail powerhouse famous for its vast selection of products, has made a decision that’s disappointing book-loving customers. Starting in January 2025, most U.S. Costco locations will stop selling books. For years, shoppers have enjoyed browsing the retailer’s book tables for bestsellers, memoirs, and cookbooks at unbeatable prices—but soon, those tables will be gone. So, why is Costco making this move, and what does it mean for book buyers? Let’s dive in.

What’s Happening to Costco’s Book Section?

Costco has confirmed that it will gradually remove books from the majority of its 600+ U.S. stores. While a few locations may still stock books occasionally, the familiar sight of large tables stacked with new releases is coming to an end. “This decision wasn’t easy,” a spokesperson reportedly stated. “Books have been a treasured part of our inventory for decades, but operational efficiency is key to our business model.” For many loyal shoppers, this change takes away a unique and beloved part of the Costco experience.

Why Is Costco Stopping Book Sales?

Costco’s decision to discontinue book sales stems largely from logistical challenges. Unlike many of its bulk items that arrive pre-packed on pallets, books require careful unpacking, organizing, and frequent rotation as new titles are released. “It’s a labor-intensive process,” an insider revealed. “Our focus is on maintaining low prices, and book tables simply demand more resources than most other products.” To streamline operations, Costco determined that books no longer align with its business model.

Has This Happened Before?

While this is the first time Costco is removing books nationwide, some locations—such as in Hawaii and Alaska—have already phased out book tables in recent years. Shoppers in these areas have long adapted to the change. “We’ve seen this coming for a while,” a frequent Hawaii customer noted. “It’s disappointing, but we’ve learned to adjust.” Now, stores across the country are following suit.