Final Post About Changes in 2024

At the beginning of the year, I wrote about some changes planned for Costco in 2024 (Changes Planned for Costco in 2024; (Additional Changes at Costco in 2024)). Now, as we get towards the end of the year, I saw this article about 13 changes that either had occurred or were underway in 2024. Several are repeats. I have to admit that I think it is funny that changes vary so much on the list from change in leadership to specific foods being discontinued. However, to be honest, I bet more people (including me) are upset about some of the foods than the “larger” (in my opinion) changes. 

The article points out that the changes in products are changed and add to interest because people like being able to find and try new items. In addition to the item changes, Costco works to enhance the shopping experience for members,. For example changes included in 2023 included the introduction of $29 telehealth primary care visits and food court additions.

13 Changes for 2024

1. Discontinuation of Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chips

One change this year is that Costco has replaced their Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chips with Nestle Chocolate Chips. This change is the result of the high costs of cocoa not making it possible for Costco to offer their chips at a decent price. 

Although there was no indication in the art that theist was in order of importance, I think it is funny that it is the first change mentioned. As discussed above, adding items keeps interest. Although these chips are being discontinued due to costs, I have written before about the need to discontinue items (It’s Gone? Discontinued Products) in order to make room for new items (Freedom of or from choice?)

2. No More Books

At the end of this year, books will no longer be an everyday item at Costco. Instead, they will be available for holiday shopping times (September to December) as well as at other sporadic times throughout the year. This change occurred due to the labor involved in stocking them. 

I don’t buy books because I read so much and so quickly. I make great use of the library. I also no longer read at Costco while waiting because I now like looking at the other items. However, when younger, my parents used to drop me off in the bookstore (in malls) or the book section (in warehouse stores) and I was happy for a very long time. I am actually surprised that it takes more labor to stock books than other items (especially clothing which requires folding). However, obviously Costco has figured it out as the company keeps close track of everything. Perhaps the labor is not so much greater but too much given the profits as compared to other items 

3. Return of Combo Pizza

According to the article, members were upset when the combo pizza (vegetables; pepperoni; sausage) was removed from the food court menu during COVID. It has returned this year but in the deli section rather than as a pizza variety offered in the food court. 

I wouldn’t eat this pizza so I have no idea how good it is. However, I find it amusing that it makes this list. I guess people take their pizza very seriously!

4. New Packaging for Rotisserie Chicken

Although the chickens and the price remained the same, the packaging changed this year (Additional Changes at Costco in 2024). Whereas the chickens were formerly sold in clear plastic containers, they started being sold in plastic bags. This change was made to be better for the environment by using 75% less plastic.

The article mentions complaints about this new packaging. However, it is consistent with Costco trying to be more environmentally friendly (e.g., nut packaging (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts)).

5. A Change In Leadership

After a 10-year tenure as Costco CEO, Craig Jelinek retired and was replaced by Costco President and COO Ron Vachris, who has been working with the company for more than 40 years after starting out as a forklift driver. In addition, after an almost 40-year tenure as Costco CFO, Richard Galanti retired and was replaced by Gary Millerchip, who previously served as the senior vice president and CFO at Kroger.

I had written about this change in leadership (Changes Planned for Costco in 2024). However, although these are big changes, they are likely less noticeable to members on a regular basis. I imagine that members only really become aware of leadership changes if it affects the store policies. in my case, even as a huge Costco fan, I wouldn’t even have known the names of the people in the top positions.

6. A Membership Price Hike

On September 1, Costco increased the membership price from $60 to $65 (regular membership) and from $120 to $130 (Executive membership). In the past, membership increases have occurred more frequently. However, the article explains that Costco wanted to wait until inflation settled.

An increase in membership fees is big deal, especially when some people are still somewhat uncomfortable with the concept of paying to shop. However, the actual increase is small, especially when averaged over the year. 

7. Food Court Policy Changes

In addition to the changes made to the food court menu this year, there was a change made to who can eat there. Whereas the food court used to be available to both members and nonmembers, it is now only accessible to members. This change occurred because members were complaining about the business.

This change obviously has a bigger impact on nonmembers. I have written before about the food court being one of the ways that even nonmembers can take advantage of Costco (For those without a Costco membership). I can understand the food court only being available to members. However, I am surprised that the change occurred due to members complaining about lines because I have never seen it too busy. However, I don’t typically go to the store at lunchtime. 

8. New Membership Card

Members at all stores are expected to show their membership cards upon entering the store. In addition, now many stores require members to scan their membership cards to show their photos. before allowing shoppers to enter. The change is made to benefit customers by using the entry numbers to open or close checkout lines and to monitor whether there is  enough fresh foods on shelves for customers.

The article mentions that members are upset about this change. I am not sure why it would bother people. It also doesn’t actually seem like a huge change to me. The store keeps track to make sure that people entering are members. In addition, I don’t know why the scanning is so different from when the employees at the entrance clicked the counter to make sure not too many people were in the store during the COVID restrictions. 

9. Food Court Swaps

The food court menu underwent changes this year. A short lived item was the turkey sandwich that replaced the roast beef sandwich but only lasted from February to August when the chicken and bacon sandwich was introduced. Another change was strawberry ice cream being replaced with chocolate ice cream.

I have mentioned food court changes in other posts (Additional Changes at Costco in 2024). I had heard about the turkey sandwich replacing the roast beef sandwich. However, I did not know that it had already been replaced by a second turkey sandwich! I was also surprised that the article mentioned that people had really liked the strawberry ice cream. I cannot imagine that anyone would choose strawberry ice cream over chocolate ice cream. I realize that people have different tastes but from talking to others and podcasts about ice cream (there are more of them than you’d imagine), it seems that the majority agree with me (for example, the strawberry is usually rated as the worst of the three flavors in Neopolitan ice cream). 

10. Fresh Sushi Is Coming to More Warehouses

Some Costco stores (e.g., Hawaii and Japan) have sold fresh sushi for a long time. It was also introduced to a store in Washington in 2023. Although still not planned to be widely available, fresh sushi is planned to be added to a few additional warehouses this year.

I am actually surprised that it is not being added to more stores. Sushi is clearly a popular item and can be sold in small portions or on large platters. 

11. Price Decreases

The article mentioned that Costco has already  lowered prices on several items (e.g., batteries;  reading glasses; beverages; produce). There are more price decreases coming this year (e.g., sporting goods; lawn and garden items; Kirkland Signature Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins; Kirkland Signature Aluminum Foil; Kirkland Signature Macadamia Nuts; Kirkland Signature Baguette two-packs; Kirkland Signature Laundry Detergent Pacs; Kirkland Signature Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil).

I wrote a post about some of these price decreases (Additional Changes at Costco in 2024). It is good to know that there are more coming. 

12. A Massive Amount of Store Openings

Costco planned to open 30 new warehouses in 2024. 

30 stores in a year sounds like a lot but I am certainly not an expert in this area. 

13. More App Improvements

The author points out that Costco is not known for its use of technology. However, the company is moving in the direction of more technology advances. One major change this year has been the introduction of an app that enables members to check whether an item is in stock at a particular store. Before this app, members had to go to the store or call. 

I am not great with technology and don’t use many apps. I have called the store many times to check on items. However, I think that I will try this search app because it’s easier and because I have had the (understandable) experience of either having to wait for a long time when I called or being given incorrect information.

Were you aware of these changes? What do you think of them?