Costco's membership price hike is part of a trend in the subscription economy

Sep 5, 2024
Shared memberships are out, and squeezing more value out of existing members is in.
In addition to an annual fee hike, Costco is also cracking down on membership sharing.
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Retailers say customers are focusing on essentials

Mar 6, 2023
Between inflation and a possibly looming recession, some big box stores are on edge.
Retailers are shifting focus to match inflation-weary customers' preferences for savings over slurging.
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Inside the hectic post-holiday "returns season" at a Costco warehouse

Jan 26, 2023
A good portion never make it back to store shelves.
Costco is famous for its return policy: unlimited returns despite condition or purchase date, with some exceptions.
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When consumers feel strapped, some brands do well anyway

May 27, 2022
Strong earnings from Nordstrom, Macy's and Dollar General suggest pent-up demand and a reframing of what people consider essential spending.
Dollar Tree said groceries made up a bigger part of its sales last quarter — which could spell trouble for retailers like Walmart and Target.
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Consumers turn to bulk buying as inflation hedge

Apr 12, 2022
The Costcos of the world benefit.
Food prices are climbing, and more people are turning to bulk stores for their needs.
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For public good, not for profit.

Stores are limiting purchases of some products. This time, blame the supply chain.

Sep 24, 2021
Restrictions on purchases can backfire, causing customers to want to stock up on limited supplies.
A shopper at a Costco store in Alhambra, California in August 2019. Costco and other stores are once again limiting the number of water bottles, cleaning products and paper supplies that customers can purchase.
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Costco, hit especially hard by social-distancing rules, sees 90% bump in online sales

May 26, 2020
The company's sales dropped for the first time since 2009 in April.
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