hummingbirds — retail creator marketing

How to win in Costco

How brands are turning Costco shelf space into real traction with hyperlocal, everyday creators

How to Win in Costco
28+ cities & growing

hello from hummingbirds

You got into Costco.
Now let's get you noticed.

Launching in Costco is a big deal. But standing out at the shelf level? That's where most brands stumble.

This guide is your inside look at how CPG brands are building real momentum in Costco — not with celebrity influencers, but with everyday creators who shop there, live nearby, and actually use your product.

At Hummingbirds, we've helped brands generate awareness, content, and customer love across 28 cities (and counting). This is your roadmap.

why word-of-mouth still wins

The most trusted marketing isn't an ad — it's a recommendation

Nielsen · EveryoneSocial

92%
of people trust recommendations from friends and family over traditional ads
↑ CVR
Peer content drives higher conversions than brand or influencer content
🛒
Everyday creators are Costco members too — they're already there

"Real people sharing real experiences will always outperform a polished campaign that doesn't feel relatable."

the difference

Everyday Creators vs. Influencers

everyday creators
Peer-to-peer trust
Hyperlocal following
Share real recs IRL
Get perks, not payment
Not full-time creators
Feels like a recommendation
influencers
Polished broadcast reach
Global / niche audience
Create stylized content
Paid campaigns
Influencing is their job
Feels like an ad

case studies

Brands winning at Costco

Real campaigns. Real creators. Real results.

OLIPOP June 12–24, 2025
37 creators · 24 cities
🛒 Pantry Goals = Cracked 🥤 Pick Up OLIPOP Variety Packs at Costco!
Brand GoalPromote OLIPOP's variety packs now available at Costco
Case Olipop Creator Addie Oklahoma City
Addie · OKC
Case Olipop Creator Kelly Austin
Kelly · Austin
Case Olipop Creator Gia Oklahoma City
Gia · OKC
85k+
Potential Reach
26k+
Reel Views
1.5k
Engagements
Goodles May 16–27, 2025
15 creators · 12 cities
🍝👨‍🍳 Costco Got Cute: The Goodles Variety Pack Is Here and She's Gluten-Free 🧀🛒
Brand GoalPromote Goodles at Costco with a new gluten-free pasta variety pack
Case Goodles Creator Jacqueline Chicago
Jacqueline · Chicago
Case Goodles Creator Nicole Des Moines
Nicole · Des Moines
Case Goodles Creator Abby Twin Cities
Abby · Twin Cities
152k+
Potential Reach
23k+
Reel Views
1.8k
Engagements
JonnyPops April 11–22, 2025
39 creators · 22 cities
🚨 JonnyPops SALE ALERT at Costco! 🍧 Organic Rainbow Fruit Stacks 🌈
Brand GoalPromote a limited-time $3.50 off sale at Costco
Case Jonnypops Creator Alyssa Grand Rapids
Alyssa · Grand Rapids
Case Jonnypops Creator Jenn Houston
Jenn · Houston
Case Jonnypops Creator Alyssa Omaha
Alyssa · Omaha
163k+
Potential Reach
20k+
Reel Views
1.6k+
Engagements
MUSH March 7–23, 2025
59 creators · 22 cities
📍 MUSH Overnight Oats Spotted at Costco! 👀💨 Quick, healthy, and 100% delicious 🏃‍♀️
Brand GoalPromote that MUSH is now available nationwide at Costco
Case Mush Creator Kayla Chicago
Kayla · Chicago
Case Mush Creator Brooklynn Nashville
Brooklynn · Nashville
Jacque · Des Moines
Jacque · Des Moines
503k+
Potential Reach
86k+
Reel Views
5k+
Engagements
Tate's Bake Shop July 30–Aug 12, 2025
24 creators · 25 cities
🎉🍪 Your Costco Summer Snack MVP? AND On Major Sale! Tate's Cookies, Obviously!
Brand GoalPromote Tate's Bake Shop cookie box on sale at Costco nationwide
Case Tates Creator Cristelle Austin
Cristelle · Austin
Dominick · Indianapolis
Dominick · Indy
Case Tates Creator Indie Houston
Indie · Houston
106k+
Potential Reach
34k+
Reel Views
1.7k
Engagements
DripDrop May 16–27, 2025
94 creators · 25 cities
👀⚡ Found at Costco.com: Meet Your Hydration Glow-Up — DripDrop's 40ct Electrolyte Mix! 🍉🍋
Brand GoalPromote DripDrop Zero Sugar electrolyte drink mix, now at Costco.com
Case Dripdrop Creator Lauren Quad Cities
Lauren · Quad Cities
Case Dripdrop Creator Harley Louisville
Harley · Louisville
Case Dripdrop Creator Heather St Louis
Heather · St. Louis
402k+
Potential Reach
43k+
Reel Views
3k+
Engagements

our reach

Authentic voices in the cities your products show up IRL

From the Midwest and beyond, we activate everyday creators in 28+ cities and growing. Whether launching regionally or scaling nationally, our platform meets customers where they already are — Costco.

28+ cities & growing fast
Hummingbirds — 28+ US cities

how it works

Retail buzz, built from the ground up ↗

01
Build your retailer campaign
Launch a targeted activation for hummingbirds to discover, review, and opt into.
02
Choose your creators
Handpick hyperlocal creators in the cities that matter most to your retail strategy.
03
Track results & reuse content
Review performance, then repurpose high-quality UGC across your digital channels.
Hummingbirds platform — campaign builder

brands that trust our birds

400+ brands. 6k+ campaigns.

We've helped brands drive awareness across:

Costco Whole Foods Target Hy-Vee Kroger + More
JonnyPopsJonnyPops
GoodlesGoodles
OLIPOPOLIPOP
Tate's Bake ShopTate's Bake Shop
Cali WaterCali Water
EllenosEllenos
Simple MillsSimple Mills
TruLabsTruLabs
Bachan'sBachan's
Good GoodGood Good
Pop & Bottle Pop & Bottle
Organic ValleyOrganic Valley
MUSHMUSH
happy happy
Toaster GrillsToaster Grills

Ready to win in Costco?

If you're ready to amplify your retail launch, get authentic content, and actually reach your target customer in the cities that matter — let's talk.

Book a Call ↗