The supplier categories in the Costco Next program include luggage, art, clothing, personal beauty care, handbags and electric bikes.
The Next big thing
Costco Next gives members an exclusive way to buy direct and save on tech, fashion and more
by T. FOSTER JONES
Since its inception, Costco has established a reputation for reinventing the way people shop. From the warehouses to online at Costco.com, from Costco Travel to Costco Pharmacy, from the Optical and Hearing Aid Centers to the Costco Auto Program, the goal has been to reshape the way these businesses operate in order to bring members a high level of quality and value at a much better price.
At the same time—and often in conjunction with these reinventions—Costco has been on a continuing quest for ways to enhance the value of your Costco membership.
So, what’s next? Costco Next.
The Costco Next homepage.
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What is Costco Next?
Simply put, Costco Next is a program that lets Costco members buy directly from a wide range of select brands at an exclusive Costco price.
“Separate from what members will find in the warehouses or at Costco.com, Costco Next showcases products from some of Costco’s suppliers that have been selected for the quality of their merchandise and their exceptional customer service,” says Costco general merchandise manager Cheryl Smeby. “By shopping at Costco Next, you have access to a variety of products from these vendors, and you’ll get a discount that is available only to Costco members. This new approach brings a wider variety of goods to our members, while increasing the value of the Costco membership.”
Who’s on Costco Next?
Supplier categories run the gamut, from art and personal beauty products, to clothing, home electronics, sporting goods, home improvement items and more. Suppliers include Briggs & Riley (luggage and bags), Anker (electronics), Artika (indoor lighting), boscia (skin care products), Mikasa (dinnerware) and High-Tech Pet (doors, fencing and training devices). The list of suppliers will continue to grow, says Costco buyer Robert Poole, and the “treasure hunt” aspect that is core to Costco’s product approach will be on full display. “Costco Next is continually evolving, frequently adding new brands and products,” says Costco assistant buyer Natasha Washington. “We encourage Costco members to check back frequently to discover what’s new and take advantage of exciting new deals.”
How it works
Starting at Costco.com, you can scroll down and click the Costco Next icon or enter “Costco Next” in the search bar, or you can go directly to Costconext.com. Once on the Costco Next homepage, you can scroll through a menu that lists items by category and supplier name.
Once you have selected a Costco Next supplier, you’ll be asked to provide your first name, last name and Costco membership number. After you have entered this information, you can then choose the “Visit Supplier” button, which will take you directly to that supplier’s website, where you can start shopping. You’ll also be able to view and receive your exclusive Costco member pricing. In addition, shipping is often included.
Why Costco Next?
“We are always on the hunt for ways we can enhance the value of your membership at Costco,” says Rich Renn, a Costco Next inventory control specialist. “Whether it comes in the form of services, such as Costco’s extensive suite of personal and business services, car pricing through Costco’s Auto Program, travel deals with Costco Travel and more, the search means looking for more variety, more categories and different ways to bring that Costco quality and value to the member.
“We are very proud of having the ability to provide members with additional products that they would have never seen in the buildings, but because of Costco Next we can provide more variety with better value.”
Program evolution
“The Costco Next idea was born in 2016, but did not fully materialize until a few years later,” says Nino Garcia, assistant general merchandise manager over Costco Next. “There was a real learning curve as we developed the program, and there were a lot of refinements, from site improvements and product selection, to ensuring that every supplier understood the concept. In the end, Costco’s goal will always be the same: offering our members quality goods at a great value.”—TFJ
