New year, new life, but for everyone. Also for Costco, which is preparing a transformation that will change almost everything we know about its stores, from improving facilities to the shopping experience, and also salaries, which was about time. They want to keep growing while making sure they do not lose their most loyal base, their customers. After a 2025 full of adjustments, Costco wants to get ahead of how we will shop in the future. They want more efficiency while keeping their identity, low prices, large product volumes, and members as happy as always.
Changes in their stores
Costco plans to open around 35 new warehouses in 2026. Some will be new openings and others will be relocations of older locations that have become too small. They want to relieve overcrowded stores that are at capacity and get closer to other consumers. It is not a bad plan.
The new locations will come with more modern infrastructure, wider aisles, better internal logistics, and less chaotic parking lots, finally. They want more people in their stores, that is the goal.
XXL gas stations
Another major change is coming with fuel. Costco will open large capacity gas stations, even independent from the warehouse, but access will remain exclusive to members. If you want discounted gas, you will need to pay for the membership.
With this, they are clear. They want to compete with big chains on energy prices and make being a Costco member even more valuable than it already was.
The food court gets locked down
The iconic food court is also changing, but there will still be pizza and hot dogs, relax. In 2026, membership scanning will become widespread to control access and prevent non members from benefiting from subsidized prices. It is quite controversial socially, but we cannot forget that Costco does not live on air and they want to protect exclusivity to keep prices low. Some menu changes are also expected, but nothing major.
Pharmacy and technology
In 2026 there will be partnerships for more transparent and stable medication prices, a relief especially because affordable healthcare is not cheap.
On the other hand, Costco will accelerate pre scan technology to promote faster exits. They want to avoid checkout lines, and we really appreciate that, right?
Kirkland Signature
The private label Kirkland Signature will continue to be the ace up their sleeve. In 2026, Costco wants to produce closer to where it sells, cutting logistics costs. Prices are expected to go down without lowering product quality, of course. There will also be more product references and many traditional brands making a comeback.
And the workers?
There is also news for those who open the doors every day. Costco has announced wage increases between 0.50 and 1 dollar per hour, depending on position and seniority. It may not seem like much, but it adds up to many dollars at the end of the month. Taking care of the company also means taking care of those who work there every day. And if employees are motivated, not by playing Huntrix at 6AM, service improves, we already know that.
Costco toward the future
The retail sector is changing fast with digitalization. There is pressure on prices and consumers are increasingly demanding. So 2026 is coming with changes for Costco, and who knows if for other players in the sector as well.