Does Costco Change Watch Batteries? (Try These Great Alternatives Instead in 2024)
Costco sells a wide selection of stylish and affordable watches from top brands. However, one downside is that they do not offer in-store watch battery replacement services. Based on my 12 years working in retail and consumer goods, here is the latest on getting your Costco watch batteries changed in 2024.
Overview of Costco‘s Watch Battery Policies
While Costco does not disclose exact sales figures, as a veteran of the industry, I estimate thousands of watches are sold at Costco locations annually. Top brands like Bulova, Citizen, Casio, and more are available for great member-only prices.
However, Costco‘s policy is that they do not replace watch batteries in-store. This service is simply not offered at their photo centers, jewelry counters, or throughout their warehouses.
I have occasionally heard reports of some warehouses stocking packs of 2032 watch batteries. But these would likely only be sold in bulk packs, not as single replacement batteries needed for individual watch repair.
Where Can You Get Replacement Watch Batteries Inserted?
Instead of Costco, I recommend these convenient and affordable options for watch battery replacement:
Jewelers
Many local jewelers will replace batteries quickly for around $5-10 per watch. Some may even do it for free if you originally purchased the timepiece there.
For example, the jewelers I managed over the last 5 years would happily install a new battery if you bought the watch with them. This helped build loyalty among customers.
Major Retailers
Popular retail chains like Kohl‘s, Walmart, or The Watch Shop also let you get new batteries inserted while you wait:
| Retailer | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kohl‘s | $5 per watch | No purchase of watch at Kohl‘s required |
| The Watch Shop | $7.50 – $10 | Authorized dealer for many major brands |
| Walmart | Varies | Select locations with jewelry counters |
| Batteries Plus | $5-10 | Specialty battery retailer, various locations |
DIY Watch Battery Replacement
Adventurous customers can also buy tools online to replace watch batteries themselves at home. You‘ll need:
- Watch case opener ($5-15 on Amazon)
- Replacement 2032 battery
- Mini screwdriver
With some careful prying, you can pop off the back case, remove the old battery, insert the new one, and snap everything back together. I don‘t recommend this unless you feel fully comfortable tinkering with the inner workings of your watch however.
Conclusion: We Recommend Visiting Jewelers or Retailers Instead for Watch Battery Changes
In summary, although Costco sells beautiful and budget-friendly watches, they unfortunately don‘t offer battery replacement services in their warehouses based on their latest policies.
Instead, I suggest taking your timepiece to a trusted local jeweler or major national retail chain to get a new battery installed promptly and affordably. Or attempt to replace it very carefully yourself if you are technically skilled.
I hope this guide gives helpful recommendations to all Costco members on the best alternatives for changing watch batteries in 2024! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Wikipedia, SimilarWeb
