Costco has always played by its own rules, and its approach to retail media is no exception. While Amazon and Walmart offer mature, standardized platforms, Costco’s retail media ecosystem is still evolving, with tools like CMP, CNET, and CO360 actively expanding.
That makes now the moment for brands to act. Early movers can shape best practices, build deeper buyer relationships, and secure long-term SKU space before the model standardizes. Yet most suppliers aren’t engaging at all, or they’re dabbling without a clear strategy – leaving value on the table.
At Harvest Group, we help brands turn this ambiguity into advantage – navigating the complexities with our clients to unlock early wins that compound into long-term growth.
Why Early Action Matters for Costco Retail Media
Retail media has evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have for supplier success. And unlike the established frameworks at other retailers, Costco’s retail media infrastructure is actively being built. This isn’t a weakness – it’s an opening.
Brands that act now gain a rare advantage:
- A seat at the table to shape internal best practices and influence emerging standards.
- Stronger buyer relationships, built on shared learning and collaboration.
- A competitive edge over slower-moving peers who hesitate or wait for clarity.
Momentum compounds. The brands that move decisively now – guided by expertise over guesswork – will build trust, credibility, and market position ahead of competitors.
What Success Really Looks like at Costco
At Costco, success is measured in one simple way: sales. Consistent weekly sales velocity matters more than margin gains or flashy creative – it’s what earns buyer trust and renewal.
That’s why the opportunity lies in tying media directly to sales outcomes – driving lift, hitting weekly sales thresholds, and proving renewal potential. Brands that deliver here win trust, credibility, and longevity in the warehouse.
At Harvest Group, we ensure every retail media investment supports these priorities. We help brands build strategies that enable them to hit category sales thresholds and strengthen credibility with buyers.
Why Costco Retail Media Isn’t Plug And Play
Of course, opportunity doesn’t equal simplicity. Unlike Amazon or Walmart, Costco’s retail media landscape doesn’t run on a standardized playbook. Execution varies by region and team, and platforms are still maturing.
Suppliers are often left asking where to start, how to measure success, or how to align with buyers. And when agencies unfamiliar with Costco apply cookie-cutter tactics, results fall flat – frustrating both suppliers and buyers.
to start, how to measure success, or how to align with buyers. And when agencies unfamiliar with Costco apply cookie-cutter tactics, results fall flat – frustrating both suppliers and buyers.
As embedded Costco experts, we translate the nuances of the Costco model into strategies that resonate with buyers and deliver measurable results.
How to Build a Smart, Sustainable Approach
At Costco, there’s no one-size-fits-all model in retail media. Winning requires a Costco-specific test-and-learn approach:
- Start small and test intentionally
- Measure by region, item, and tactic
- Collaborate closely with buyers, media partners, and internal teams
- Iterate as Costco’s ecosystem evolves
The smartest strategy only works when it’s backed by seamless execution across teams. must align with buyers, Marketing and Media must activate campaigns, Finance must set ROI expectations, and Costco’s media partners must be engaged throughout. When these groups operate in silos, opportunities are lost, KPIs are missed, and buyer trust erodes.
Harvest Group builds strategies that integrate both the plan and the players. By orchestrating integration across teams, we ensure your roadmap reflects Costco’s unique structure and timing.
“Costco’s philosophy is to ‘keep it simple.’ At Harvest Group, our team of experts helps brands align retail media with that philosophy, integrating opportunities seamlessly while driving top-line sales.”
Looking Ahead
Costco’s retail media is still evolving – but for brands that act now, it’s an opportunity to earn buyer trust and build lasting advantage.
With nearly a century of collective Costco expertise along with direct relationships with the Costco Retail Media team, we know how to turn complexity into growth. And as an integrated commerce agency, we align your Costco presence with your broader strategy – connecting it to your in-store, digital commerce, and retail media efforts to drive results across every touchpoint.
Whether you’re testing the waters or ready to scale, we’re here to help. Visit our Costco page to learn more, and fill out our Contact Us form to get the conversation started.
