In 2025, as single-person households continue to grow, this piece analyzes how Costco -- a store known for bulk purchases -- is surprisingly winning their hearts. It covers the changing consumption attitudes of single-person households who shop at Costco, the still-relevant appeal of offline big-box stores, and the recently trending meal prep and lunchbox culture. Relatable issues like 'the difficulty of choice' and 'personalized consumption' are vividly conveyed through memorable expressions from actual conversations.

1. Changes in Single-Person Households and Key Trends

Recently, single-person households and the consumption trends surrounding them have been attracting significant attention. In the past, living alone was considered 'temporary,' but now the mindset has shifted to "I'll probably live alone from now on, so let me set up proper systems!"

"Single-person households of the past and those of today are different. The biggest difference is that before, people saw it as temporary, but now they see it as permanent."

It's emphasized that single-person households serve as 'hints' that preview trends for other household types (two-person, four-or-more-person households, etc.). In other words, various industries are studying their lifestyles to gain insights.

Looking at distribution channel trends related to cooking and grocery shopping:

• Coupang (online shopping),
• Daiso (household goods),
• And surprisingly, "Costco" has seen a notable increase.

"Costco is rising as a place for cooking ingredients" "Why are you showing up there?" (a humorous remark about Costco emerging as a cooking channel)

2. Costco's Stubborn Approach and the Rise of Single-Person Households

Costco has traditionally targeted four-person families -- especially "families with two sons" -- and business owners. The perception was strong that it was a place for buying in bulk to share.

"Families with two sons who eat so much you have to buy in bulk for them"

However, recently, people living alone have created a new purchasing method called 'single-person household pods.' Each person takes on a role -- membership card, driving, payment -- and several go to Costco together to bulk-buy ingredients like meat, muffins, and rice, then precisely portion them out.

"I'll drive, you bring the membership card, I'll handle the payment... 3-4 people go to Costco in one car and portion everything out together."

They overcome the hassle of purchasing through teamwork and carefully split the costs after portioning. Despite multiple 'hurdles' -- driving to a distant store, membership fees, bulk-only sales -- there's now a compelling reason to insist on Costco.

3. Why Costco Works for Single-Person Households

Why would single-person households deliberately choose Costco? It's because of 'high-quality, affordable ingredients' focused on specific categories and a curated selection of best products.

"Items like meat, bread, pasta, and cheese used to be special-occasion treats, but now they've become staples for single-person households. And Costco has the cheapest and the best of those!"

Costco carries fewer product types (SKUs) but rigorously selects only 'the best.' With fewer choices, it actually feels like "you can trust what you buy without overthinking."

"Costco carries fewer water brands than E-Mart. But those selections aren't carelessly chosen -- they've picked only the very best. Having fewer choices with only the best options is actually a better fit for today's era."

Another notable phenomenon is that even without dedicated marketing from Costco, consumers create tons of "Costco recommendation" content, driving word-of-mouth on their own.

4. Changing Food Culture: Meal Prep and Lunchbox Craze

Now, single-person households are actively adopting meal prep (preparing meals all at once) culture. The shift is from eating carelessly while living alone to 'sustainable, healthy eating.'

"When you reach the point of thinking, 'I can't keep living like this, I need to take care of myself,' that's when you start meal prepping."

Meal prep used to be the domain of mothers preparing baby food in advance, but it has now become the standard for single-person households who prepare a week's worth of meals alone or with friends. On top of that, rising prices and the desire to "eat a bit healthier" have also led to an explosive growth in the office lunchbox culture.

"These days, you have to be prepared to spend 15,000 won for lunch. Bringing a lunchbox gives you a legitimate reason not to eat out with colleagues."

In this context, company cafeterias are also being reevaluated. The absence of choice-related stress is actually comfortable, the prices are affordable at 3,500-5,000 won, and they represent the pinnacle of practical employee benefits.

"The best benefit a company can provide right now is a cafeteria. You can save on today's meal costs immediately!"

5. The Role of Online Shopping and the Era of 'Personalized Picks'

For vegetables, salads, dressings, and other items that are hard to buy in bulk at Costco, online shopping like Coupang/Market Kurly remains more convenient. Ordering small, fresh quantities as needed is what online handles.

Meanwhile, Daiso has firmly established itself as the go-to for various 'small tools and gadgets.'

"There's a trend of buying garlic presses, salad spinners, and other small gadgets you don't really need from Daiso."

In this era, the term "national must-have item" (something everyone uses) is gradually disappearing. Now the emphasis is on 'personalized picks' -- "what fits my situation perfectly, what suits my body."

"In the past, people would say, 'One million people chose this!' But now, the mainstream is 'personalized picks' that say, 'This is right for you.'"

The video wraps up by smoothly summarizing the trends of this changed era.

Conclusion

In 2025, the lifestyles and food culture changes of single-person households are reshaping the landscape of big-box stores like Costco. Amidst endlessly personalized consumption, 'group splitting purchases,' meal prep, and lunchbox culture, it's impressive that Costco's strategy of 'fewer choices, higher quality' turns out to be an unexpectedly good fit for an era that values efficiency and self-care. Even living alone, the ways to eat well and live well have become diverse!

"It's an era of getting to know yourself better. What matters is finding the 'personalized pick' that's just right for each person."