If you’re a fan of books, inexpensive hot dogs, and buying comically large amounts of grocery staples, you’re in luck.
Costco has partially reversed its decision to stop selling books year-round, Publishers Weekly reports. The move comes almost six months after the retailer’s initial announcement that books would only be sold in its stores from September to December each year.
The retail warehouse chain, known for its deals on large-format items and its popular food court, will now stock books year-round in 100 of its stores, while the remaining locations—more than 500—will sell books only in the months leading up to the holidays.
Its initial decision to limit book sales was spurred by the retailer’s belief that stocking books was too labor intensive. Publishers Weekly reports that executives are open to the idea of keeping books but believe the sections should be easier to maintain.
The store’s executives will be observing the 100 stores that keep books, noting how sales go. The anticipated success of Taylor Swift’s book, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which goes on sale Friday exclusively at Target, could also be a factor, although Target dwarfs Costco in terms of number of locations, with more than 1,900 stores in the U.S. compared to Costco’s 600-plus.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
