Costco is one of the supermarket giants in the United States. It has become a shopping hub, especially during the holiday season. Now, the supermarket is undergoing a period of change, with new developments expected by 2026. These changes will enhance the shopping experience, introduce new membership strategies, and implement technological and efficiency improvements that will solidify Costco’s position as the leading wholesale shopping destination in the United States. Already in 2025, Costco implemented changes such as granting Executive Members exclusive shopping hours between 9 and 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays.
Shopping at a Costco Business Center differs from the standard Costco experience
One of Costco’s main goals for 2026 is to open 35 new locations across the country. In fact, during these months leading up to the end of 2025, Costco already had several plans underway that would take effect the following year. One of these investments will be in Costco’s non-traditional store format. Shopping at a Costco Business Center differs from the standard Costco experience thanks to its extended hours and an inventory even more focused on sales volume, among other key differences. It’s a type of store that caters exclusively to certain sectors. For example, in Anchorage, Alaska, there’s a Costco dedicated exclusively to furniture and appliances. The goal is to diversify and give customers what they demand.
Inspired by the continued enthusiasm of Costco customers for its private label brand
Another change involves Kirkland Signature. Inspired by the continued enthusiasm of Costco customers for its private label brand, Costco proposed that its value-focused Kirkland Signature products would help shoppers offset overall inflation by 2026. The growing demand for Kirkland products in 2025 prompted Costco to focus on offering shoppers fair prices to compensate for inflation in 2026. It’s worth noting that Costco recently expressed its displeasure with Donald Trump’s tariffs due to the negative impact they had on the company.
There are well-known brands behind some of Costco’s most popular Kirkland Signature products
In addition, Costco is looking to move production of some Kirkland Signature products as close as possible to its physical retail locations to reduce transportation costs and even greenhouse gas emissions. While one consequence of this approach could be a decrease in third-party brands on Costco shelves, there are well-known brands behind some of Costco’s most popular Kirkland Signature products.
On the other hand, checkout will implement new technologies intended to reduce wait times. Technological advancements are also reaching supermarkets. In the second half of 2025, some Costco locations began testing a device that allows employees to scan items in a customer’s shopping cart while they are still waiting at the checkout. The goal is to reduce the time it takes for the customer to scan their items and pay. When the customer reaches the front of the line, the cashier can use the pre-scanned data to process the purchase, thus speeding up the transaction.
A benefit for those who frequently use Costco’s pharmacy service
In addition to this, Costco’s pharmacy is among its non-traditional retail services. Starting January 1, 2026, a collaboration between Costco’s pharmacy and Nativus will take effect, aiming to simplify the purchase of pharmaceutical products. This will benefit those who frequently use Costco’s pharmacy service. Changes are already underway in many areas and will begin to roll out in the coming months, following Costco’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report, which promised the implementation of improved checkout technology in all Costco locations nationwide.
Last but not least, employee wages. In March 2025, Costco signed a new agreement with its employees, increasing hourly rates by $0.50 for low-wage workers and $1 for high-wage workers, bringing the rate to $30.90 per hour. This increase will be $1 per year, so by 2026, the rate will reach $31.90 per hour.