Costco Wholesale (COST)

Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Wholesale (COST)

Does Costco have its own brand?

Yes, Costco has its own private label brand called Kirkland Signature. This brand offers a wide array of products, from organic food items to household goods, and is known for its quality and competitive pricing, which often rivals national brands.

Does Costco offer online shopping?

Yes, Costco provides online shopping options for its members, allowing them to purchase a wide range of products through its website. Members can enjoy delivery services for many items, although availability may vary based on location and product category.

Does Costco offer services besides retail?

Yes, in addition to retail products, Costco provides a variety of services such as pharmacy, optical, travel, and insurance. The company also offers services like tire installation and many business services, adding further value for its members beyond traditional shopping.

How does Costco compare to other retailers?

Costco differentiates itself from other retailers through its membership model, bulk purchasing, and focus on providing high-quality products at lower prices. Its unique business strategy has allowed the company to build a loyal customer base and become one of the largest and most successful retail chains in the world.

How does Costco ensure low prices?

Costco maintains low prices by utilizing a membership model, limiting its product selection to high-demand items, and buying in large volumes for better pricing from suppliers. The company also focuses on keeping overhead costs low, allowing it to pass savings onto its members.

How does Costco handle food safety?

Costco takes food safety very seriously and has established stringent standards for sourcing, handling, and storing products. The company adheres to federal and state regulations and conducts rigorous quality control checks to ensure that the food products it sells meet high safety and quality standards.

How does Costco support sustainability?

Costco actively engages in sustainability initiatives by implementing environmentally friendly practices across its supply chain. This includes efforts to reduce waste, promote responsible sourcing of products, and improve energy efficiency in its warehouses, thereby contributing to a more sustainable business model.

How many locations does Costco have?

As of October 2023, Costco operates over 800 warehouses globally, including locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and several other countries. This extensive network supports the company's mission to provide value and savings to its members.

Is Costco publicly traded?

Yes, Costco Wholesale Corporation is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol COST. As a publicly traded company, Costco is required to disclose financial and operational information, allowing investors to assess its performance and make informed investment decisions.

What are Costco's core values?

Costco's core values focus on ethical business conduct, customer satisfaction, and employee welfare. The company prioritizes honesty and integrity in all dealings, strives to provide high-quality products at the lowest possible prices, and fosters a positive work environment that supports its employees' growth and success.

What are Costco's recent expansion plans?

Costco is continuously looking for opportunities to expand its footprint both domestically and internationally. The company regularly opens new warehouse locations in underserved markets and actively seeks to increase its online presence, adapting its business strategy to cater to changing consumer preferences.

What are Costco's store hours?

Costco's store hours can vary by location, but most warehouses typically open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM on weekdays. On weekends, hours may be shorter. It is advisable for members to check their local Costco's hours for the most accurate information.

What does Costco Wholesale do?

Costco Wholesale is a multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. It offers a wide range of products and services, including groceries, electronics, apparel, furniture, and household items, all at competitive prices. The company is known for its bulk purchasing model, allowing members to buy in larger quantities at discounted rates.

What is Costco's return policy?

Costco has a generous return policy that allows members to return most items within 90 days of purchase, with a few exceptions such as electronics, which have a 90-day return window, and certain items like mattresses, which have a 120-day limit. Costco aims to ensure complete member satisfaction.

What is the membership model of Costco?

Costco operates on a membership model, which requires customers to pay an annual fee to shop in its warehouse clubs. This approach allows the company to offer lower prices to its members, as a significant portion of its revenue comes from membership fees rather than just product sales.

What is the shipping policy for online orders?

Costco's shipping policy for online orders typically includes free shipping on eligible items. Some larger or heavier items may incur additional shipping fees. Members can choose from various delivery options, including standard shipping and same-day delivery in select areas.

What types of memberships does Costco offer?

Costco offers two main types of memberships: the Gold Star membership for individuals and the Executive membership, which includes additional benefits such as cash-back rewards on eligible purchases. Both memberships provide access to warehouse shopping and the ability to shop at Costco locations worldwide.

What types of products can you find at Costco?

Costco offers a diverse range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, meats, bakery items, electronics, appliances, clothing, and home goods. Additionally, Costco provides services such as travel, automotive, and pharmacy, making it a one-stop shop for many members.

When was Costco founded?

Costco was founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. It started as a single warehouse store, and over the years, it has expanded its operations significantly. By offering a unique shopping experience and value to its members, Costco has grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world.

What is the current price of Costco Wholesale?

The current price of Costco Wholesale is 967.08

When was Costco Wholesale last traded?

The last trade of Costco Wholesale was at 4:00 pm EDT on April 3rd, 2025

What is the market capitalization of Costco Wholesale?

The market capitalization of Costco Wholesale is 427.52B

How many shares of Costco Wholesale are outstanding?

Costco Wholesale has 442.07M shares outstanding.