Costco Closed Online Marketplace Costco Next
The retailer shuttered its vendor-direct platform, requiring businesses to shift their customer support and return workflows.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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In September 2026, Costco shut down its Costco Next online marketplace, which had operated since 2016 to connect members directly with third-party vendors. The closure effectively removes the platform that previously hosted brands such as Anker Electronics, Priority Bicycles, and Viking Culinary.
Why it matters
The sudden closure of a major e-commerce bridge complicates fulfillment and post-purchase service for vendors who relied on the Costco ecosystem for traffic. Without a stated reason for the shutdown, partners must now independently manage the transition of customer relationships and support obligations.
Costco shuttered its Costco Next program after operating the vendor marketplace for a decade since its 2016 launch. The shutdown affects the distribution channel for partners including Anker Electronics, Priority Bicycles, and Viking Culinary.
The players
Costco
A global warehouse club retailer operating on a membership-based model with a focus on high-volume, low-margin inventory.
Gary Millerchip
The CFO of Costco who provided oversight regarding the company's financial programs and platform performance.
Anker Electronics
A consumer electronics manufacturer that utilized the Costco Next platform for direct-to-consumer sales.
The details
Costco has ended all access to the Costco Next storefronts, effectively severing the digital link between its warehouse members and the third-party vendors listed on the platform. Vendors are now responsible for handling all customer returns and warranty inquiries that previously moved through the marketplace infrastructure. Members attempting to access the site are now met with a message confirming the platform's permanent closure.
Timeline
Costco Next launched as an online concept in 2016.
Costco CFO Gary Millerchip discussed the program during an earnings call on May 29, 2025.
The company confirmed the closure of Costco Next in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The shuttering of the Costco Next marketplace marks the end of the program first initiated in 2016. This pivot signals a potential shift away from third-party vendor platforms toward more traditional, centralized warehouse retail models.
Operators currently integrated with similar third-party vendor marketplaces should evaluate their backup fulfillment and support channels to mitigate sudden platform exits. Vendors must now transition all customer service, return processing, and warranty support to internal systems.
The takeaway
The closure of Costco Next serves as a reminder to maintain independent customer service infrastructure for all third-party sales channels. Monitor future Costco earnings filings for any indication of new digital partnership strategies that may replace this discontinued program.
Further reading
For more on shifts in retail strategy, explore the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
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