Costco

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, a retail model it helped pioneer. Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, the company grew out of the earlier Price Club concept launched in 1976 by Sol Price. Costco merged with Price Club in 1993 and adopted its current name in 1999. With headquarters in Issaquah, Washington, the company now runs 924 warehouses across 14 countries, the vast majority in North America. Its business model relies on high sales volume, slim margins, a curated product selection, and annual membership fees, which together generate steady revenue and customer loyalty.

Costco sells groceries, electronics, appliances, apparel, furniture, jewelry, sporting goods, office supplies, and automotive products, often in bulk. Many locations include gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical centers, and travel services. The company's private label, Kirkland Signature, launched in 1995 and named after the city of its former headquarters, accounts for nearly a third of total sales. In 2024, Kirkland Signature generated $86 billion in revenue through co-branded partnerships with manufacturers such as Chinet, Jelly Belly, Keurig Green Mountain, and Ocean Spray.

Costco reported $254.45 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024 and employs roughly 341,000 people. It holds about 28% of the U.S. warehouse club market, trailing Sam's Club. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under COST and is a component of major stock indices. Its stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio near 36x. Costco continues to expand its e-commerce capabilities and global footprint, with recent openings in China and other markets. [edit]