Costco uses AI to automate drug restocking, while most retailers are still unwilling to hand over control

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Costco’s pharmacy inventory system compares drug prices across suppliers and independently forecasts demand and places replenishment orders, raising drug availability to over 98%. Costco said prescription volume grew by double digits in fiscal year 2026 and pharmacy sales increased by nearly 20%, but did not disclose AI’s specific contribution to pharmacy growth; a survey found that 90% of retail companies allow AI agents only to query information such as inventory levels.