Costco Wholesale

Costco Wholesale Corporation is a prominent global retailer known for its membership-based warehouse club model. Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, the company launched its first warehouse in Seattle, Washington. This innovative approach, offering bulk products at low prices to members, quickly became popular. A significant milestone in Costco's history was its 1993 merger with Price Club, which expanded its influence and strengthened its position in the warehouse retail sector.

Today, Costco is a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker COST, with its headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. As of November 2025, the company operates 910 warehouses globally, including 605 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its international presence spans Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Costco serves over 80 million members and reported an annual revenue of $275.24 billion in its most recent fiscal year.

The typical Costco store averages more than 140,000 square feet and offers a curated selection of approximately 4,000 items. The focus is on high-turnover products and the popular private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. Known for its operational efficiency and strong vendor relationships, Costco maintains competitive pricing and high member renewal rates.

Under the leadership of CEO Ron Vachris, who took the helm in January 2024, Costco continues to expand its global footprint. The company is opening new warehouses at a steady pace, with particular emphasis on international growth in markets like China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. This expansion strategy highlights Costco's commitment to reaching high-growth regions and exploring urban infill opportunities.

For commercial real estate professionals, Costco's consistent store formats and scale make it a valuable anchor for retail developments, driving significant traffic and benefiting surrounding businesses. The company's reputation for credibility and its strong market position underscore its importance in the retail landscape.