Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box warehouse clubs. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States, at 999 Lake Drive, the company's mission is "to continually provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.".

Costco's core business revolves around offering a wide array of merchandise in bulk quantities, including groceries, fresh foods, household goods, electronics, appliances, and apparel. A significant portion of its offerings includes its popular private label, "Kirkland Signature" products, known for providing quality alternatives at competitive prices. Beyond retail goods, Costco provides various services such as gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical centers, food courts, and a range of business and personal services like auto and home insurance, travel, and payment processing. The company primarily targets affluent value-seekers, small and midsize businesses, and individual consumers, with its members typically having above-average household incomes.

As of 2025, Costco is ranked 12th on the Fortune 500 list by total revenue and was the third-largest retailer globally in 2021, also recognized as the world's largest retailer of beef, poultry, organic produce, and wine as of August 2024. Ron M. Vachris serves as the CEO and President, with Gary Millerchip as the CFO. Recent notable developments include an update to its iconic $1.50 hot dog combo in May 2026, now offering a bottled water option, marking the first change in over 40 years. The company has also expanded its prepared foods selection with new Kirkland Signature meals and organic offerings, and increased its quarterly dividend in May 2026. Costco maintains a strong market position through its membership model, low product markups, limited selection strategy, and high inventory turnover, boasting high membership renewal rates of approximately 93% in the U.S. and Canada, and around 90% worldwide.