What is Costco?
Costco is an American retail corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. As of 2022, Costco has over 800 locations worldwide, with most stores located in the United States and Canada. Costco sells groceries, household goods, furniture, appliances, clothes, jewelry, electronics, fitness equipment, and more at wholesale prices.
Costco warehouses feature a simple layout with concrete floors and steel shelving displaying unbranded bulk merchandise and pallets. While selection is limited compared to traditional retail stores, emphasis is placed on fast-moving products at low prices. Many purchases are made in large quantities or bundled multi-packs to enable low costs per unit.
Shoppers must have an annual membership to shop at Costco, which starts at $60 per year for a basic Gold Star membership. Executive memberships cost $120 per year and offer additional benefits and rewards. Costco accepts only select payment types, including cash, debit cards, Costco credit cards, and mobile wallets.
Key aspects that set Costco apart include its direct-buying relationships with vendors and manufacturers, liberal return policy, and in-house Kirkland Signature private label brand. Costco is lauded for competitive prices and providing good value on popular branded and generic products across a range of categories.