COST

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a membership‑only warehouse club that sells a limited selection of brand‑name and private‑label merchandise in bulk at low mark‑ups, supplemented by services such as gasoline, pharmacy, optical, travel and e‑commerce. It belongs to the consumer staples and retail sector and is the world’s largest global retailer of membership warehouses, recognized for its Kirkland Signature private‑label brand and high membership renewal rates. The business model combines recurring membership fees with efficient inventory turnover and strong purchasing power to deliver low prices. Notable characteristics include a “treasure‑hunt” merchandising approach, a focus on both individual consumers and small businesses, and a reputation for high operational efficiency.