Costco is preparing for a transformative year. In 2026, the warehouse retailer will introduce a series of significant adjustments across its U.S. operations—from new store formats and expanded Business Centers to a nationwide beverage switch and stricter membership controls. For shoppers, the coming year may bring one of the most notable shifts in Costco’s business model in over a decade.
New store formats and experimental layouts
Costco is testing alternative store designs that depart from its traditional warehouse model. According to U.S. media reports, the company recently opened a furniture-focused store in Alaska, where customers browse products in person but receive purchases through home delivery rather than carting items out of the warehouse.
In 2026, Costco plans to expand this specialized format nationwide. For example, a new Costco fuel station is expected to open next spring in Mission Viejo, California, without an accompanying warehouse. The company says these experimental layouts aim to meet the unique needs of specific communities, signaling that a more diverse range of Costco store formats may appear in the future.
Expansion of Costco Business Centers
Costco will also broaden its network of Business Centers in 2026. These locations cater primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises, offering bulk quantities and commercial-grade products that differ from standard warehouses.
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Business Centers stand apart in several ways:
- they carry fewer household goods and no clothing, jewelry, books, or seasonal gift items;
- they offer no pharmacy, optical, tire, or photo services;
- they open earlier, often around 7 a.m.;
- and they provide expanded food, produce, meat, and paper goods targeted at restaurants and offices.
With more than 20 Business Centers already operating in major U.S. cities, Costco plans to accelerate expansion to meet growing demand from business clients.
Expansion of more warehouse locations
Alongside its new formats and Business Center growth, Costco will continue to expand its core warehouse network. According to MSN, the company plans to open roughly 35 new warehouses in fiscal year 2026, including upgrades and relocations to larger spaces.
Store expansion remains one of Costco’s top strategic priorities, both in the United States and internationally. For consumers hoping for a nearby Costco—or a larger replacement for an aging warehouse—2026 may be a milestone year.
Costco food court to restore Coca-Cola products
Costco’s food court will undergo a nostalgic shift in 2026: Coca-Cola beverages will return after more than a decade of Pepsi exclusivity. Several warehouses have already begun replacing Pepsi machines with Coca-Cola dispensers, and the company plans to complete the transition across all U.S. locations throughout the year.
For many longtime shoppers, especially those loyal to the iconic $1.50 hot dog combo, the beverage switch carries both symbolic and practical appeal.
Tighter membership controls and stricter entry & checkout checks
To curb the widespread practice of shared memberships, Costco will strengthen ID verification requirements nationwide in 2026. Shoppers will be required to scan their membership card and present photo identification upon entry or checkout—including at self-checkout stations.
These measures formalize the company’s broader effort to ensure that only paying members receive access to Costco’s services and pricing.
Product assortment adjustments: Low-margin sections reduced
Costco is also adjusting its internal product mix. The company plans to shrink some lower-margin departments—such as books and certain seasonal merchandise—to make room for faster-growing categories including groceries, electronics, household essentials, and everyday consumables.
For customers who enjoy browsing Costco’s book displays or seasonal tables, the selection may become more limited as the retailer reallocates floor space to higher-performing goods.
