Costco will discontinue its year-round book sales in the majority of its U.S. stores beginning in January 2025, shifting to a seasonal model for the holiday months.

The decision is attributed to the labor-intensive process of stocking books, which requires manual organization instead of using forklifts, as with other items.

While books will still be available year-round in approximately 100 locations, the broader shift reflects growing consumer preference for online book purchases, including sites like Amazon.

Costco will monitor sales trends, with potential adjustments based on demand, such as a return of books to more stores if sales improve.