Costco 2026 Overhaul: New Membership Perks, Food Court Upgrades & Store Expansions Revealed

Costco shoppers could experience one of the chain’s biggest overhauls in decades as the warehouse club prepares five sweeping updates slated to roll out throughout 2026. According to internal briefings detailed by company executives, the goal is to cut wait times, boost membership retention and shrink the retailer’s carbon footprint—while protecting the beloved low-price food court. 1. Expansion accelerates: Costco now expects to open 28 new warehouses next year, including five relocations that replace older, congested buildings. While the number is slightly lower than its earlier target of 35, leadership says the new sites will extend the chain’s reach in high-growth suburbs and three international markets. 2. Employee-assisted self-checkout becomes permanent: After pilots cut average queue time by roughly 20%, staff-scanned self-checkout lanes are being installed chain-wide. Shoppers roll up their carts and let an attendant scan items directly, then tap a payment terminal—no unloading or re-bagging required. 3. App overhaul focuses on personalization: The Costco mobile app will move to password-less sign-in and push individualized coupons tied to prior purchases. Executives say the redesign is geared to nudging non-auto-renewing members to keep their annual subscription active and to surface regional deals faster. 4. Local sourcing ramps up for Kirkland Signature: More fresh foods and packaged staples under the Kirkland brand will be produced within the same country or state where they’re sold. Costco estimates the switch could slash import tariffs and trim thousands of truck miles, a change it touts as both a cost saver and a sustainability win. 5. Stricter food court access: Expect more membership card scans—digital and physical—before you can snag a $1.50 hot-dog combo. After limited tests proved successful, Costco plans to deploy verification kiosks at nearly every U.S. and Canadian food court to curb non-member traffic and maintain the program’s razor-thin margins. Why it matters for shoppers: • Faster trips: The new checkout flow and app-powered shopping lists could shave minutes off every visit, a key selling point as grocery competitors race to streamline curbside pickup. • Inventory boosts: Fresh Kirkland lines sourced locally should reduce out-of-stock frustration, especially in produce and bakery aisles. • Membership value debate: Some longtime customers worry tighter food-court rules chip away at Costco’s famously inclusive vibe, but the retailer argues the policy helps keep menu prices flat for paying members. Bottom line: From an upgraded tech stack to old-school rotisserie chickens, Costco’s 2026 roadmap signals the company is betting big on speed, personalization and membership exclusivity. Savvy consumers tracking these changes now can plan renewals—and shopping strategies—before the new rules hit the aisles next year.