Costco Statistics and Facts for 2024
Last Updated on: July 16th, 2024
Here are a few of the most interesting Costco statistics and facts I was able to dig up including store count, revenue totals and employee counts. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.
Costco Facts
Here is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about Costco.
- Website: Official Website
- Year Founded: 1976
- Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington
- Founder(s): James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman
- Current Chief Executive: W Craig Jelinek
- App Download (iOS)
- App Download (Android)
Costco is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. It was founded in 1976 in San Diego, California, and is currently headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. Costco is known for offering a wide range of products at competitive prices to its members.
As a membership-based retailer, Costco requires customers to hold a membership card to shop at their stores. The company offers two types of memberships: Gold Star and Executive. Memberships provide access to Costco’s warehouses, where customers can purchase a variety of products, including groceries, electronics, household items, appliances, clothing, and more.
Costco is renowned for its bulk purchasing model, which allows customers to buy items in larger quantities at lower prices. This approach is particularly attractive to businesses, organizations, and families looking to save money on their purchases. Costco’s product offerings often feature well-known brand-name items, as well as its own private label, Kirkland Signature, which is known for its quality and value.
In addition to its retail operations, Costco also provides services such as travel booking, optical centers, pharmacies, and photo printing. The company is committed to providing excellent customer service and has a reputation for its generous return policy.
Costco has expanded internationally and operates warehouses in multiple countries, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, among others. The company has experienced consistent growth and has become one of the largest retailers in the world, known for its value, quality, and the loyalty of its members.
Costco Fun Facts:
- Inaugural Year: 1983 – A Year of Beginnings: The year 1983 marked the birth of Costco, as the first warehouse store opened its doors to the public. This momentous occasion initiated a retail phenomenon that would redefine the way consumers shopped for everyday goods.
- Seattle, WA: The Birthplace of a Retail Giant: The city of Seattle, Washington, witnessed the birth of the very first Costco store. Nestled in the heart of this bustling metropolis, the inaugural warehouse marked the beginning of an innovative shopping concept that would ultimately reshape the retail landscape.
- The Warehouse Model’s Genesis: Costco’s foundation was built on the unique concept of the warehouse store. This revolutionary approach involved offering a limited selection of products in bulk quantities, catering to both individual consumers and businesses seeking cost-effective solutions for their shopping needs.
- Membership-Based Shopping Experience: Central to Costco’s success is its membership-based model, allowing customers to access exclusive deals and benefits. This approach not only fostered a sense of belonging among shoppers but also enabled the company to offer competitive prices due to the concentrated customer base.
- The “Treasure Hunt” Shopping Strategy: Costco’s strategic approach to merchandising is often referred to as the “treasure hunt.” The ever-changing assortment of high-quality products, often sourced from reputable brands, keeps customers engaged and curious during their visits, turning each shopping trip into an exciting exploration.
- Emphasis on Quality and Value: Costco’s commitment to quality products at exceptional prices has been a driving force behind its success. By negotiating directly with suppliers and offering limited product selections, the company ensures that its offerings meet the high standards of its discerning customer base.
- Kirkland Signature: A Trusted Private Label Brand: Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature, has gained a reputation for providing high-quality products at competitive prices. This private label range spans various categories, from food and beverages to household goods and beyond, further enhancing the value proposition for members.
- Global Expansion and Influence: What began as a single store in Seattle quickly evolved into a global retail phenomenon. Costco’s expansion into international markets brought its unique shopping experience to diverse cultures, making it a recognized brand in countries around the world.
- Dedication to Employee Welfare: Costco has garnered attention and admiration for its employee-friendly policies, including providing competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for career growth. The company’s commitment to treating employees well has contributed to its reputation as a socially responsible employer.
- Warehouse Sustainability Initiatives: In line with its commitment to responsible business practices, Costco has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives. From energy-efficient store designs to environmentally conscious packaging choices, the company strives to minimize its ecological footprint and promote a greener approach to retail.
- Community Engagement and Charitable Efforts: Costco’s influence extends beyond retail, as the company actively engages with local communities through charitable endeavors. Its commitment to supporting charitable causes, such as children’s hospitals and education initiatives, underscores its dedication to making a positive impact beyond its stores.
Photo by Omar Abascal on Unsplash
Costco Store Count
How many Costco stores are there?
Number of Costco stores in the US:
Number of Costco stores in Canada:
Number of Costco stores in Mexico:
Number of Costco stores in the UK:
Number of Costco stores in Iceland:
Number of Costco stores in France:
Number of Costco stores in Spain:
Number of Costco stores in South Korea:
Number of Costco stores in Japan:
Number of Costco stores in Taiwan:
Number of Costco stores in Australia:
Number of Costco stores in China:
Costco Employee Count
Number of Costco employees:
Last updated 10/1/21
Number of Costco employees in the US:
Last updated 10/1/21
Costco Revenue Totals
Costco net sales (annual):
- FY 2023: $237.7 billion
- FY 2022: $222 billion
- FY 2021: $192 billion
- FY 2020: $166 billion
- FY 2019: $152 billion
- FY 2018: $138 billion
- FY 2017: $126 billion
- FY 2016: $116 billion
- FY 2015: $113 billion
- FY 2014: $110 billion
- FY 2013: $102 billion
- FY 2012: $97 billion
- FY 2011: $87 billion
- FY 2010: $76 billion
- FY 2009: $69 billion
- FY 2008: $70 billion
- FY 2007: $63 billion
- FY 2006: $58 billion
- FY 2005: $51 billion
- FY 2004: $47 billion
- FY 2003: $41 billion
- FY 2002: $37 billion
- FY 2001: $34 billion
- FY 2000: $31 billion
- FY 1999: $26 billion
- FY 1998: $23 billion
- FY 1997: $21 billion
- FY 1996: $19 billion
- FY 1995: $17 billion
- FY 1994: $16 billion
- FY 1993: $15 billion
- FY 1992: $13 billion
- FY 1991: $11 billion
Additional Costco Statistics
How many members does Costco have?
128 million cardholders (2023)
Average size of a Costco store:
Percentage of Costco total net sales that come from ecommerce:
Costco member renewal rate:
Number of Costco gas stations:
Average number of SKU’s per Costco store:
Number of cars sold by Costco in 2016:
Number of dealerships Costco sells cars through in the US:
Percentage of Costco net sales that come from the US or Canada:
Number of countries Costco has warehouses in:
Number of Costco employees that reportedly make its minimum wage:
around 130,000 employees (2018)
Number of pumpkin pies Costco sells annually:
Amount of clothing Costco sold in 2018:
Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. A few of these Costco statistics come from their own reports, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. No information contained on DMR should be relied upon to make investment decisions. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%.
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