Popular Costco perk that saved customers cash on purchases from other stores abruptly shuts down

Costco has said “Next” to its money-saving tool.

The Washington-based warehouse chain has quietly axed its Costco Next platform — an online marketplace offering members discounted products directly from vetted third-party suppliers and manufacturers.

First popularized by Amazon and Walmart, Next was Costco’s version of an online shopping marketplace where third parties were able to sell their products on a larger platform. It was designed to be a win-win for shoppers and sellers — shoppers got great deals while sellers got access to Costco’s large customer base.

The option was short-lived, as the digital service recently got the axe without notice or explanation. The company abruptly pulled the online hub with a simple page on its site stating that “Access to Costco Next storefronts is no longer available.”

Costco Next was first launched nearly a decade ago back in 2017 with a small number of brands first joining. It then expanded in 2021 after heavy promotion, growing the offerings to about 35 brands.

By 2024 and 2025, the online hub had nearly 100 third-party sellers and seems to be increasing — until the chain ended the perk by late August 2026.

The page now provides shoppers with a list of its Next vendors with active return policies, directing members to reach out to the vendors with any questions about warranties, returns or cancellations.

Vendors listed on its customer support page include Anker, By Sophie, Caraway, E-Z UP, Gorilla Shed, Priority Bicycles and dozens more.

The Post reached out to Costco for more information about why Next suddenly shut, but has not heard back.

Over the past three months, the wholesale retailer has been making a wide array of changes. Just last month, Costco announced it will officially start selling store-branded Medicare plans as a way to bring “greater value” to seniors.

The chain is working with SCAN Group, a nonprofit insurer, to help step foot into the Medicare market. Shoppers won’t see the new Costco-branded plans in a package deal with Costco memberships, but options will be sold in Costco stores, as well as through insurance agents and online.

The duo said plans will be available in two states — which have yet to be announced — and a Medicare supplement in a third as part of a limited rollout. Costco told the Wall Street Journal that the combined market is home to around 5 million Medicare enrollees.

“For the millions of older adults who rely on Medicare Advantage, the future of the program depends on strong partnerships that make healthcare more accessible, more connected and more seamlessly integrated into everyday life,” Dr. Sachin Jain, CEO of SCAN Group, said in a statement. 

Some future offerings from Costco and SCAN could include a re-invented pharmacy experience, a Medicare Flex Card that could come with over-the-counter benefits, vision and audiology products, according to a press release.