One of the nice things about Costco is that the company likes to keep things fresh and interesting for members.
Costco knows that consumers have plenty of options to shop for groceries and other essential items without having to pay an annual membership fee. But Costco also relies on those fees for a large chunk of its revenue.
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Because of this, Costco goes out of its way to make sure it’s giving members great value for their money.
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Sometimes, that means introducing new perks. But often, it means bringing new products to shelves.
In fact, Costco’s management team enjoys likening the shopping experience to a treasure hunt.
The company is well aware that many consumers come in with a small shopping list only to walk out of the store with loaded carts. And the reason is that members frequently get enticed by new products at seemingly unbeatable prices.
Costco quietly pulls a popular product, upsetting fans.
Image source: Boyle/Getty Images
Costco’s inventory can change on a whim
Unlike traditional supermarkets, which may stock 40,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) or more at a time, Costco typically limits its inventory to 4,000 different items.
There’s a reason for that. Costco wants to make sure every item on its shelves meets its standards for quality. It’s easier to do that with a narrower selection of goods.
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Costco also strives to offer the lowest prices in retail. Having fewer items means the company can spend more time negotiating with suppliers.
The flip side of all of this, of course, is that to introduce new items, Costco has to rotate products out of its lineup. That often forces members to say goodbye to products they love.
Earlier this year, Costco made the decision to stop selling its Kirkland Signature soy milk. Fans of the product were very upset to see it go, especially since many relied on it as a non-dairy alternative.
Costco also recently did away with its Sweet Heat snack mix. The blend of spicy and sweet nuts was a big hit with customers, and many were surprised to discover that it was suddenly gone.
Costco quietly drops a popular product
While Costco stocks its share of fresh grocery products, the store also sells a host of frozen entrees that can be heated up for a quick, convenient meal.
Last year, Costco members were excited to see smoked ham and Swiss cheese pockets hit the freezer section. The “pockets” were actually a flaky croissant that served as a delicious breakfast, lunch, or snack.
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But now, Costco users are taking to Reddit to complain that their beloved ham and Swiss pockets are nowhere to be found. And while some Costco locations may still have them, a number are reporting that the item has been discontinued.
Needless to say, fans aren’t happy.
“I liked them, but now I can’t find them in my Costco,” one Reddit user said.
“So good! My Costco had them for a couple months then they were discontinued,” another user said.
Unfortunately, the nature of Costco products is that they can appear suddenly without fanfare but disappear just as quickly.
The takeaway? Members who fall in love with a given Costco product may want to stock up in case the company makes the decision to pull it without warning.
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That said, one Reddit user had a hack for those bemoaning the disappearance of the ham and Swiss pockets. They suggested buying a box of Costco bakery croissants, filling them with ham and cheese, and heating them up in an air fryer or toaster.
It may not be an exact replica, but the taste could be pretty darn close.Â
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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