To create an effective pallet display for Costco, it's important to adhere to their specific requirements:

Costco Pallet Display Requirements: Full pallet displays must measure 48" x 40" with no product overhang,Heights must not exceed 58" in store, but be 52" tall or less to double stack in a truck, Pallets must have the capacity to hold up to 2,500 pounds,Product must be shoppable from 3 sides, with the 48" side as the main facing, Pallet skirts are requested to be butterfly style,iGPS, Pico, and CHEP pallets are allowed, Costco also emphasizes the importance of making displays and packaging easy to shop and replenish, with a "No Touch" policy for most products. Pallets should be designed to reach their final destination without additional handling.

Benefits of Costco Pallet Displays

• Effectively showcase products in Costco's cavernous warehouses
• Boost foot traffic and get your products in front of customers
• Suitable for seasonal promotions, sales campaigns, and new product launches
• Allow for on-brand and informative messaging due to digital printing advancements

Custom Costco Pallet Display Solutions

• Many manufacturers offer custom pallet display designs tailored to Costco's requirements, such as:
• Three-Side-Shoppable (TSS) pallets that allow for a flexible customer experience
• Pallet skirts that reduce inventory risk, manage product inventory, and convey brand messaging
• Interactive demonstration units to engage customers
• By understanding Costco's guidelines and working with experienced manufacturers, brands can create effective pallet displays that stand out and drive sales in this major retail environment.

Key Differences in Costco and Sam's Club Pallet Display Requirements

While Costco and Sam's Club have many similarities in their pallet display requirements, there are a few key differences to be aware of:

Pallet Size

• Costco requires full pallet displays to measure 48" x 40" with no product overhang
• Sam's Club also uses 48" x 40" pallets, but allows quarter and half pallets as well

Height Restrictions

• Costco limits in-store pallet heights to 58", with a maximum of 52" for double stacking in trucks
• Sam's Club allows slightly taller 60" pallets in-store, but also requires 52" or less for double stacking

Weight Capacity

• Costco pallets must hold up to 2,500 pounds
• Sam's Club has a lower 2,100 pound weight limit

Shoppable Sides

• Costco products must be shoppable from 3 sides, with the 48" side as the main facing
• Sam's Club pallets can be shopped from either the 48" or 40" side, but the 40" side is the main facing

Pallet Skirts

• Costco requests butterfly style pallet skirts
• Sam's Club does not permit pallet skirts at all

In summary, while the base pallet size is the same, Costco has slightly stricter height, weight, and shoppable side requirements compared to Sam's Club. Understanding these nuances is key to creating compliant and effective pallet displays for each retailer.

The weight capacities of pallets at Costco and Sam's Club differ significantly, reflecting each retailer's operational standards.

Costco Pallet Weight Capacity

• Total Load Weight: Costco pallets can handle a maximum total load weight of 2,500 pounds.
• Bottom Layer Weight: For pallets loaded with more than 750 pounds, they must withstand 2,500 pounds on the lowest layer. If loaded with less than 750 pounds, they must support 1,500 pounds on the bottom layer.

Sam's Club Pallet Weight Capacity

• Total Load Weight: Sam's Club pallets have a lower total load weight capacity of 2,100 pounds.
• Bottom Layer Weight: Sam's Club does not specify a separate requirement for bottom layer weight in the same way Costco does, but the overall weight limit is lower than Costco's.

In summary, Costco's pallets are designed to support heavier loads compared to Sam's Club, making them suitable for different types of product displays and logistical needs.

The weight capacities for the bottom layer of pallets at Costco and Sam's Club are as follows:

Costco

• For pallets loaded with less than 750 pounds: They must be able to withstand 1,500 pounds of weight on the bottom layer.

• For pallets loaded with more than 750 pounds: They must support 2,500 pounds on the bottom layer.

Sam's Club

• For stringer pallets: They are expected to support a maximum of 2,100 pounds.
• For block pallets: They can handle up to 2,800 pounds.

In summary, Costco has specific requirements for the bottom layer based on the total load weight, while Sam's Club has a general weight capacity for different types of pallets.

When using pallets on the retail floor at Costco, there are several special considerations to ensure compliance with their strict guidelines and to maintain safety and efficiency:

Pallet Specifications

Size and Overhang: Pallets must measure 48 inches by 40 inches with no product overhang. This is crucial to prevent hazards and ensure that the pallets fit properly in the designated display areas.

Weight Capacity: For pallets loaded with less than 750 pounds, they must support 1,500 pounds on the bottom layer. For those loaded with more than 750 pounds, the bottom layer must withstand 2,500 pounds. The total load weight cannot exceed 2,500 pounds.

Safety and Inspection

Visual Inspection: All pallets are subject to a visual inspection upon delivery. They must be dry, clean, and free of stains or contamination. Any pallets that do not meet these standards will be rejected.

Height Restrictions: The maximum height for complete loads, including the pallet, is 58 inches. This ensures that displays are manageable and safe for customers and employees.

Durability and Handling

Pallet Quality: Costco emphasizes the use of block pallets over stringer pallets due to their durability and safety. Block pallets are considered more stable and are less likely to fail under load, which is critical in a busy retail environment.

Packaging Requirements: Packaging must comply with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) standards, ensuring it can withstand transit and handling. This includes being able to tolerate humidity and maintaining integrity under load for at least four weeks.

Future Considerations

Transition to Plastic Pallets: Costco is planning to transition to plastic pallets, which are more sustainable and offer better durability. Vendors will need to adapt to these new guidelines as they come into effect.

In summary, adhering to these specifications and considerations is essential for successfully using pallets on the retail floor at Costco, ensuring safety, compliance, and effective product display.