When creating pallet displays for Costco and Sam’s Club, it’s essential to understand their unique requirements to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Costco Pallet Display Requirements
- Pallet Size: Costco requires full pallet displays to measure 48″ x 40″ with no product overhang.
- Height Restrictions: In-store pallet heights must not exceed 58″, and for double stacking in trucks, they should be 52″ tall or less.
- Weight Capacity: Pallets must support up to 2,500 pounds.
- Shoppable Sides: Products must be accessible from three sides, with the 48″ side as the primary facing.
- Pallet Skirts: Butterfly-style pallet skirts are preferred.
- Handling Policy: Costco follows a “No Touch” policy, emphasizing that pallets should be designed to reach their final destination without additional handling.
- Pallet Types: iGPS, Pico, and CHEP pallets are allowed.
These requirements are designed to ensure that displays are easy to shop, replenish, and transport, making them effective in Costco’s large warehouse environment.
Benefits of Costco Pallet Displays
- Enhanced Visibility: Showcase products effectively in Costco’s expansive warehouses.
- Increased Foot Traffic: Attract more customers and boost sales.
- Versatility: Ideal for seasonal promotions, sales campaigns, and new product launches.
- Customizable Branding: Digital printing advancements allow for on-brand messaging and informative displays.
Custom Solutions for Costco Pallet Displays
Manufacturers offer customized pallet designs that align with Costco’s specifications:
- Three-Side-Shoppable (TSS) Pallets: Provide a flexible customer experience.
- Pallet Skirts: Help manage inventory, reduce risk, and convey brand messaging.
- Interactive Units: Engage customers directly.
Understanding Costco’s guidelines and working with experienced manufacturers can help brands create standout pallet displays that drive sales.
Sam’s Club Pallet Display Requirements
- Pallet Size: Sam’s Club also uses 48″ x 40″ pallets but permits quarter and half pallets as well.
- Height Restrictions: Allows slightly taller 60″ pallets in-store but requires 52″ or less for double stacking.
- Weight Capacity: Sam’s Club pallets have a lower weight limit of 2,100 pounds.
- Shoppable Sides: Pallets can be shopped from either the 48″ or 40″ side, with the 40″ side as the main facing.
- Pallet Skirts: Sam’s Club does not allow pallet skirts.
Comparison Summary
- Size: Both use 48″ x 40″ pallets, but Sam’s Club allows more size variations.
- Height: Sam’s Club allows slightly taller pallets in-store.
- Weight Capacity: Costco’s pallets support heavier loads (2,500 pounds) compared to Sam’s Club (2,100 pounds).
- Shoppable Sides: Costco requires access from three sides, whereas Sam’s Club allows two options with a focus on the 40″ side.
- Pallet Skirts: Costco prefers butterfly skirts, while Sam’s Club prohibits them.
Weight Capacities for Pallets
Costco:
- For loads under 750 pounds: Must support 1,500 pounds on the bottom layer.
- For loads over 750 pounds: Must support 2,500 pounds on the bottom layer.
Sam’s Club:
- Stringer Pallets: Maximum of 2,100 pounds.
- Block Pallets: Can handle up to 2,800 pounds.
Special Considerations for Costco Pallet Use
- Pallet Specifications: Must be 48″ x 40″ with no overhang and support specific weight capacities based on the load.
- Safety and Inspection: All pallets undergo visual inspection upon delivery and must meet cleanliness and condition standards.
- Durability: Costco favors block pallets over stringer pallets for their stability and durability.
- Packaging Compliance: Packaging must meet ISTA standards, withstand humidity, and maintain integrity under load for up to four weeks.
- Future Adaptations: Costco plans to transition to plastic pallets, which vendors will need to accommodate.
Conclusion
Understanding the specific pallet display requirements of Costco and Sam’s Club is crucial for creating compliant, effective displays that enhance visibility, drive sales, and ensure safety. By adhering to these guidelines and leveraging customized solutions, brands can optimize their presence in these major retail environments.
