Costco Wholesale has quickly become a crowd favorite thanks to its warehouse styled shopping experience that comes complete with warehouse-level discounted price points.
The warehouse giant often introduces new products to its list of inventory, whilst at the same time, discontinuing others. The layout of the warehouse is regularly changed around as well so as to further the “treasure hunt experience” offered by the retailer.
More recently, it was discovered that a seemingly beloved product was discontinued at the wholesaler and customers are quite upset at the change.
Costco discontinues Kirkland Signature product
Members of the warehouse club recently discovered that not one of the 600 warehouses operated by Costco were carrying the Kirkland Signature brand soy milk and what ensued was a flood of complaints and disappointment. Whilst customers reacted to this news with shock and disappointment, it appears that the reason for the discontinuation is low sales.
Soy milk is a plant-based dairy alternative enjoyed by many. In fact, plant-based dairy alternatives have gained much popularity beyond the vegan community in recent years and as such, many retailers began including it on shelves in store. According to Elcomercio, soy milk has a “similar amount of protein, calcium, and other minerals. Made with soy or soy flour, water, and oil, it is a popular choice for those with milk protein allergies.” These kinds of dairy alternatives are usually available in sweetened and unsweetened forms as well.
The issue was first noticed by a customer who could not find the private label soy milk at their local Costco warehouse. The customer then contacted the retailer directly to ask if the Kirkland Signature Soy Milk will be restocked in stores.
In response to this query, customer service at Costco stated the following, “Thank you for your feedback regarding KS soy milk. Unfortunately, KS soy milk has been discontinued due to low demand. However, we plan to add brand name soy milk as a rotating product throughout the year. The next rotation is planned for August.”
The shopper then shared this response to the Costco thread on the forum-styled social media platform, Reddit. Subsequently, many other customers shared their surprise and disappointment in the retailer’s decision to discontinue the KS soy milk.
Whilst it appears that the retailer is exploring alternate options to source its soy milk, in their post, the shopper concluded that, “They’re trying to find other vendors who give good quality for value, while simultaneously talking down the old vendor to a more reasonable price.”
Customers with lactose intolerance were especially disheartened by the change. One Costco shopper wrote, “I used to buy Kirkland Long-Life soy milk by the case. Then it disappeared for what seemed like two years. They had vanilla and another variety. The lavender one recently appeared, and I bought it again. I’m sad it’s gone again.”
Some users felt that the Kirkland Signature soy milk range was the most affordable brand on the market. Others commented that alternate brands were either too sweet, or simply lacking in overall quality. Prior to its discontinuation, shoppers could enjoy the KS soy milk in both original and vanilla flavor variations. The wholesaler would also use this soy milk as an alternative for protein shakes or coffee.
“That’s terrible, I am in shambles right now,” yet another user mourned. “The price cannot be beat and I mix it with my protein shake daily.”
“”Ugh! I’m so sad about this. I’ve been looking for it,” a Redditor shared, whilst another claimed that, “The Kirkland brand soy milk was the best dairy free milk I have ever found.”
Other changes at the warehouse
The warehouse is set to reintroduce Coca-Cola products in its food court after a long run with Pepsi this summer and customers have shown great enthusiasm towards this announcement.
Another bit of good news for Costco members is the new extended operating hours for Costco gas stations.