Costco increases its Blu-ray merchandising
PHYSICAL: Retailer's BD player sales up 450% over last year
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 12/3/2009
DEC. 3 | PHYSICAL: Costco is making Blu-ray Disc a significant part of its holiday merchandising plans, ramping up its title selection by 50% as well as offering sharp discounts.
Costco will increase its Blu-ray Disc title selection by 50%.
The retailer gives the format a resounding thumbs-up, showcasing both Blu-ray hardware and software product in its latest monthly in-store publication Costco Connection.
In fact, Costco has made Blu-ray the shining star of its media department this month, because store management believes its customers will be strongly attracted to Blu-ray.
“Blu-ray Disc movies are now the focus of our department,” said Blu-ray/DVD buyer Claudia Augello in the publication. “Members will always find at least 100 titles. But for the holidays, we’ve brought in more than 150. We pride ourselves on offering the newest releases at great savings.”
Blu-ray movies will start at $9.99.
Costco also is specifically highlighting the latest BD Live Web-enabled models from Sony and Panasonic as well as the PlayStation 3.
The retailer’s customers already seem to be embracing the format. Costco Blu-ray player sales are up 450% over last year, according to DVD/Blu-ray buyer Yoon Kim in Costco Connection.
Costco credits fast sinking hardware pricing. The latter part of the year did bring many models to $150 tags and below.
