Experts in Retail Blog Series: Cutting It at Costco

Effective product packaging and displays can make or break your brand. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overlook and undervalue packaging because we focus on marketing what’s inside the box.When it comes to retail success, securing placement in a retail powerhouse like Costco can be a game-changer for your brand. At Bay Cities, we specialize in connecting brands with retailers, helping them navigate the complexities of getting their products onto store shelves—and into the hands of consumers. With our deep expertise and long-standing relationship with Costco, we are your trusted partner for launching and scaling your brand within this highly sought-after retailer.   

Why Bay Cities?

Bay Cities has well-established and strong relationships with many big-name brands and retailers, including Costco. An approved supplier for many major retailers, we understand their processes, procedures, and specifications. We work together with you and your retailer to ensure that specifications and timelines will be met.  

We are a preferred resource for Costco’s new suppliers bringing unique, high-quality products to valued members through innovative and impactful display programs. We foster an environment of innovation, sustainability, and community support, ensuring that our partnership delivers exceptional value and enhances the Costco experience of new vendors. 

Furthermore, we serve as your Costco liaison. Navigating a new retailer partnership can be a complex initiative without an experienced partner giving you direction throughout the process. As a Costco Preferred Provider, Bay Cities commands a strong reputation with Costco as a reliable resource to execute programs to their unique specifications. As your Costco Liaison we assist you through every step of the process. “We have even been fortunate in the past to have Costco send new customers our way for promo pallets.  Costco knows that our team takes great pride in how our promos set up and show for the consumer.  They know that we would happily work with a new customer to make them a success in Costco for their business,” says Bay Cities Sales Executive Daren Hartman. “[Costco] realizes that the initial impression that consumers have of their displays greatly helps to drive sales,” Daren continues. “The moment they can have a customer see a display and pick up a product, they have a high percentage of making a sale.” In fact a 2023 report by the National Retail Federation found that 70% of consumers make purchase decisions in-store, highlighting the importance of POP displays in influencing purchasing behavior, highlighting the importance of in-store displays. 

Bay Cities...

• Serves as an ambassador, working closely with the Costco buying teams, planners, order specialists, and logistics team to streamline processes.  
• Has been a service provider for over 28 years, demonstrating long-standing expertise and trusted relationships. 
• Has executed more than 570 successful programs for Costco.
• Has a deep understanding of the Costco retail style guide and alignment with their sustainable packaging goals. 

Why Costco?

One of the most influential retailers in the world, Costco offers unparalleled opportunities for brands looking to scale:

• Fourth most valuable retail brand in the world*
• 890 locations worldwide 
• 137 million paid members
  

Our Proven Approach

Our comprehensive approach ensures your products meet Costco’s high standards while optimizing efficiency and reducing risk. From the first interaction with a buyer through to in-store execution, Bay Cities is with you every step of the way. 

1. It’s All About Relationships  
   Having a successful program in Costco begins with holding trusted relationships     with their team. As your Costco Liaison, Bay Cities is an extension of your organization who will build on the already established buyer relationships gained from running successful programs together. 
2. Navigating Costco’s Display Style Guide    
   Costco has specific POP display requirements. Every display must be a full pallet     that is shoppable on three sides. Bay Cities’ Design Team works closely with your marketing team to create Costco-compliant displays that effectively showcase your products, maximize consumer engagement, and move products off shelves. 
3. Compliance with Costco’s Packaging Standards  
   Costco has stringent requirements when it comes to packaging, logistics, and sustainability. Bay Cities ensures your packaging and display solutions meet all specifications. 
4. Managing Routing and Logistics
   Bay Cities handles the complexities of routing and logistics to ensure compliance     with Costco’s traffic department protocols, which includes, but is not limited to, coordinating shipping and ensuring compliance with Costco’s strict protocols and scheduling to avoid chargebacks and penalties. 
5. Sustainability Standards
   Sustainability is a top priority for Costco – and it is for Bay Cities as well. Costco’s commitment to sustainability involves reducing packaging waste, increasing from up to 99% post-consumer waste and 100% recyclable. Our commitment to and expertise in sustainability ensures your products align with these initiatives and requirements, increasing your brand’s appeal to both Costco and its environmentally conscious members. 

Ready to get started on a Costco display program or packaging? Contact us today to schedule a meeting with your dedicated Bay Cities Costco liaison.