Costco

Costco Wholesale is a membership-based warehouse club that offers a diverse range of merchandise at competitive prices. Founded in 1976 in San Diego, California, the company has expanded to operate over 600 locations across multiple countries, with a significant presence in the United States. Costco is known for its no-frills retail model, which emphasizes bulk purchasing and limited product displays, allowing it to maintain low operational costs and pass savings onto its members. The company features its own private label, Kirkland Signature, which is designed to match or exceed the quality of national brands. By catering to both business and individual members, Costco has built a strong market position, capturing over 60% of the domestic warehouse club industry. The company's focus on high sales volume and efficient inventory management enables it to generate substantial profits despite operating on thin margins.