There is a number that every brand founder, CPG operator, and roadshow vendor needs to bookmark right now: $6.5 billion. That is the total capital investment Costco Wholesale has committed to its fiscal year 2026 expansion strategy — a sprawling, ambitious deployment of resources earmarked specifically for new warehouse construction, depot network expansion, existing warehouse remodels, and digital infrastructure upgrades. Paired with plans to open approximately 28 new wareho

Stop what you are doing and read this number carefully: $90 billion. That is how much Kirkland Signature — Costco's private label brand — generated in total sales in 2025 alone, according to a report delivered at Costco's 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Let that land for a moment. A single store brand, sold exclusively through one retail chain, produced $90 billion in revenue in a single year. That represents a staggering $15 billion increase over Kirkland Signature's 20

Let's be real — getting into Costco is not a stroke of luck. It's not about having the flashiest packaging or the most followers on Instagram. It's about strategy. Preparation. And knowing exactly what one of the world's most demanding retailers expects from the brands it puts in front of its 130 million members. The brands that crack the Costco code don't do it by accident. They do it with Costco consulting — expert guidance from people who have been inside this channel lon

Over the years, I’ve seen countless product sampling events — and one common mistake stands out. Many companies train their brand ambassadors to talk first and sample second. The intent is good: engage shoppers, educate them about the product, and then offer a taste. But here’s the problem — most shoppers don’t have time for a long pitch before sampling. When customers see a sampler talking endlessly or just standing behind a table with no samples out, they keep walking. The

Over the past five years, retail buying has transformed more than at any other time during my 30+ years in sales with brands like Levi’s, Godiva, TUMI, and SodaStream. The pace of change has been both exhilarating and demanding, reshaping how products are sourced, presented, and sold across every retail channel. In the past, successful buying decisions were largely guided by experience, instinct, and trusted relationships. Knowing your category, understanding the customer, an