Strategy 101: How Costco can boost Profits & Customer
As a loyal costco customer; I have a few ideas on how Costco can increase:
1) revenue & profit segments2) customer marketshare
3) customer retention 4) expand without additional investment
Ideas:
1) Add a drive-by food court for costco customers (preferably 24/7)
Reason: costco is also a fast-food business; just like McD is a real estate business
2) Reduced fastfood prices:
A) reduce hotdog price to $1 for all costco customers.
B) make softdrinks free for in-store customers
(Drive-by customers still pay $0.5)
Reason: pure marketing play to increase loyalty and recognition and boost customer in-store visits
3) Reorient food court to face the exit rather than be parallel to it.
Reason: currently customers and kids can mentally skip the food court without noticing it
4) Add children’s playzone:
Reason: most people visiting have families and are on a budget. A free,clean and safe playing environment is a big bonus for all parents
5) Add a costco membership auto checkin to parking lots (just like carwashes currently do)
Reason: many customers don’t like to carry or show their membership cards
6) Add a premium parking lot where costco fills gas in your car while you shop at costco
Reason: most people don’t like to wait for gas and would love the premium service not offered anywhere else.
7) Partner with Tesla & other major car brands to add mini servicing centers for to all costcos to encourage premium traffic inflow and signups. Repair would include:
A) Tire Services
B) Windshield wiper fluid/change
8) Offer a hotdog/pizza to everyone on their birthday (regardless of being a member or not)
Reason: brand respect, love and loyalty
9) Add free guided tours for non-members and offer a free $25 giftcard upon tour completion. (Most people won’t have a reason not to join)
10) Add free weekend deliveries for all members for basic non-premium Kirkland-brand-only essentials delivered directly by a costco truck.
Reason: Tempers traffic and makes space in store for premium customers who are interested buying premium products rather than the conventional low/no margin products.