Costco Wholesale Corp.

Costco Wholesale Corporation is a leading American multinational retail corporation operating a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. Founded in 1983, Costco has grown to become the world's largest retailer of beef, poultry, organic produce, and wine. Just under a third of American consumers regularly shop at Costco warehouses.

The company's business model revolves around offering a limited selection of high-quality, brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than those found at conventional wholesale or retail sources. This is facilitated by charging an annual membership fee, granting access to Costco's warehouses stocked with a diverse array of products.

These products include groceries, electronics, appliances, automotive supplies, and health and beauty aids. A distinctive feature of Costco's product offering is its private label brand, Kirkland Signature, launched in 1995.

Kirkland Signature covers a wide range of products such as food items like juice and coffee, as well as household goods including clothing and detergent. The brand provides members with high-quality alternatives to national brands, often at more competitive prices.

Costco's commitment to quality and value has fostered a loyal customer base, with membership renewal rates exceeding 90%. Efficient operations and bulk purchasing power enable Costco to maintain low overhead costs, passing savings directly to its members.

This strategy has contributed to Costco's significant growth, with total sales in recent fiscal years exceeding $192 billion. As of 2025, Costco operates 905 warehouses worldwide.

Locations

About 86% of these warehouses are located in North America, including:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

International expansion includes countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Within the United States, Costco has a strong presence in California with 136 warehouses.

Additional U.S. locations where Costco operates warehouses include:

• Kenosha, WI
• Columbia, SC
• Yonkers, NY
• Boise, ID
• Gresham, OR
• Naperville, IL
• Waipahu, HI
• Des Moines, IA
• Compton, CA
• Charleston, SC
• Lafayette, LA
• Modesto, CA
• Bridgeport, CT
• Missoula, MT
• Springfield, MA
• Juneau, AK
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Evansville, IN
• The Woodlands, TX
• Columbus, OH

Business Approach

Costco's success is attributed to its unwavering focus on delivering quality products at competitive prices. The company fosters a strong sense of community among its members and continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of consumers in a dynamic retail landscape.