# Costco

> American multinational chain of membership-only stores

**Wikidata**: [Q715583](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q715583)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costco)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/costco

## Summary
Costco is an American multinational chain of membership-only stores that operates as a retail chain with locations across the United States and internationally. Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, it is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington and operates as a public company listed on NASDAQ.

## Key Facts
- Founded on January 1, 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman
- Headquarters located in Issaquah, Washington, United States
- Operates as a retail chain in the retail industry
- Listed on NASDAQ stock exchange with ticker symbol COST
- Part of Nasdaq-100, S&P 100, and S&P 500 indices
- Revenue figures include $275.235 billion, $254.453 billion, and $242.29 billion in recent years
- Net profit values include $8.099 billion, $7.367 billion, and $6.292 billion in recent years
- Employs approximately 254,000 to 316,000 people
- Total assets valued at $68.994 billion and $45.4 billion in recent reports
- Operates as a public company with corporate structure
- Official name is Costco Wholesale Corporation
- Website domains include costco.com, costco.co.uk, costco.ca, costco.com.cn, and others
- Country of origin is the United States
- Location of formation is Seattle, Washington
- Stock exchange is NASDAQ
- CEO positions held by James Sinegal and other executives
- Product classification includes retail goods and services
- Industry classification is retail
- Owned by The Vanguard Group and other institutional investors
- Sitelink count of 43 across various platforms
- Part of retail chain business model

## FAQs
**Who founded Costco and when was it established?**
Costco was founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman. The company began operations as a membership-only warehouse store chain designed to offer bulk goods and services to its members.

**What type of business model does Costco operate under?**
Costco operates as a membership-only retail chain where customers must purchase a membership to shop at their warehouse stores. It is structured as a public company that trades on NASDAQ and is included in major stock indices like the S&P 500.

**Where is Costco headquartered and what is its official name?**
Costco is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States, and its official corporate name is Costco Wholesale Corporation. The company was formed in Seattle, Washington.

**What are Costco's financial metrics and employee count?**
Costco generates billions in revenue annually, with recent figures showing over $275 billion in revenue. The company employs between 254,000 to 316,000 people and maintains substantial total assets exceeding $68 billion.

**Which stock exchanges and indices is Costco associated with?**
Costco is traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol COST and is included in major indices such as the Nasdaq-100, S&P 100, and S&P 500. It operates as a publicly traded company accessible to general public investors.

## Why It Matters
Costco matters as a pioneering force in the membership-based warehouse retail model that has fundamentally changed how consumers purchase goods in bulk. The company has demonstrated that a retail business can succeed by offering low prices combined with exceptional customer service and employee benefits, creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the highly competitive retail industry. Its success has influenced countless retailers and established a template for membership-based commerce that extends beyond physical stores into digital platforms. The company's commitment to employee welfare, including above-average wages and comprehensive benefits, has set industry standards and shown that treating employees well can be profitable. Additionally, Costco's international expansion has brought the American warehouse retail model to markets worldwide, influencing global retail practices and consumer shopping behaviors.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the successful membership-only warehouse retail model that requires customers to pay annual fees for access
- Maintaining consistently high employee satisfaction and compensation standards in the retail industry
- Achieving massive scale with revenues exceeding $275 billion while maintaining operational efficiency
- Operating internationally across multiple countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and the UK
- Being included in prestigious stock market indices including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100
- Generating substantial profits while maintaining thin margins on products to benefit members
- Creating a distinctive shopping experience focused on bulk purchasing and value for members
- Establishing a reputation for quality products and services across diverse categories
- Successfully competing with other major retailers through the unique membership model
- Maintaining strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth over decades

## Body

### History and Founding
Costco was founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, who established the first location as a membership-only warehouse store. The company emerged from the merger of Price Club, founded by Sol Price, and Costco Wholesale. The founders created a business model centered on providing bulk goods and services exclusively to paying members, establishing a unique position in the retail landscape. The company was formed in Seattle, Washington, and later moved its headquarters to Issaquah, Washington.

### Corporate Structure and Leadership
Costco operates as a public company with corporate governance led by a board of directors and executive leadership team. James Sinegal served as CEO and played a crucial role in shaping the company's culture and business philosophy. The company is structured as a retail chain that operates under the legal framework of a publicly traded corporation, offering its securities for sale to the general public through stock exchanges.

### Financial Performance and Metrics
Costco demonstrates robust financial performance with revenue figures reaching $275.235 billion in recent years. The company's net profit has grown significantly, reaching $8.099 billion in recent reporting periods. Total assets exceed $68.994 billion, reflecting the company's substantial operational scale and financial strength. These metrics position Costco as one of the largest retailers globally in terms of revenue and market capitalization.

### Operations and Business Model
The company operates as a retail chain following the membership-only warehouse model, where customers must purchase annual memberships to access products and services. This model creates customer loyalty while generating steady recurring revenue through membership fees. Costco focuses on selling products in bulk quantities at low margins, relying on volume sales and membership fees for profitability. The company operates physical warehouse locations that offer a curated selection of products across various categories.

### Geographic Presence and Expansion
Costco is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States, and has expanded its operations internationally. The company operates in multiple countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Sweden. This international presence demonstrates the scalability and adaptability of the membership warehouse model across different markets and cultures.

### Market Position and Stock Exchange Listing
Costco is listed on NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol COST, making it accessible to public investors. The company is included in major stock market indices including the Nasdaq-100, S&P 100, and S&P 500, reflecting its significance in the market. As a publicly traded company, Costco is subject to regulatory reporting requirements and maintains transparency in its operations.

### Industry Classification and Competition
Costco operates within the retail industry, specifically as a retail chain focusing on warehouse-style operations. The company competes with other major retailers including traditional department stores, online retailers, and other warehouse clubs. Its membership model differentiates it from conventional retail approaches and creates a unique market position.

### Employee Relations and Corporate Culture
Costco is notable for its employee-centric policies, including offering above-industry-standard wages and comprehensive benefits packages. The company maintains a workforce of between 254,000 to 316,000 employees globally, demonstrating its significant employment impact. This approach to human resources has contributed to lower turnover rates and higher productivity compared to industry averages.

### Ownership and Investment Structure
The company is owned by various institutional investors including The Vanguard Group, along with individual shareholders who purchase shares on public markets. As a public company, ownership is distributed among shareholders who have purchased securities through stock exchanges. This ownership structure provides capital for expansion and operations while maintaining accountability to investors.

### Digital Presence and Online Operations
Costco maintains a comprehensive digital presence with websites across multiple countries including costco.com, costco.co.uk, costco.ca, and others. The company has adapted its membership model to online shopping while maintaining the exclusive nature of its offerings. Digital operations complement physical warehouse locations and extend the company's reach to customers who prefer online shopping.

## References

1. [proxy statement](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983224000072/cost-20241209.htm)
2. [Form 8-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000119312511239197/d8k.htm)
3. [Form 8-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983223000047/cost-20231018.htm)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
6. Polygon.io
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Number of Costco employees worldwide from 2019 to 2023. Statista. 2024](https://www.statista.com/statistics/284430/costco-number-of-employees-worldwide-2011-2013/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Costco%20had%20316%2C000,in%20its%20other%20international%20locations.)
9. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/overview/default.aspx)
10. Global LEI Index
11. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
12. [Form 10-K. 2023](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983223000042/cost-20230903.htm)
13. [Form 10-K](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983221000014/cost-20210829.htm)
14. [Source](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983221000014/cost-20210829.htm)
15. [Form 10-K. 2010](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000119312510230379/d10k.htm)
16. [Form 10-K. 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000119312511271844/d203874d10k.htm)
17. [Form 10-K. 2012](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000119312512428890/d388097d10k.htm)
18. [Form 10-K. 2013](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000144530513002422/cost10k2013.htm)
19. [Form 10-K. 2014](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983214000021/cost10k2014.htm)
20. [Form 10-K. 2015](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983215000014/cost10k83015.htm)
21. [Form 10-K. 2016](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983216000032/cost10k82816.htm)
22. [Form 10-K. 2017](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983217000014/cost10k90317.htm)
23. [Form 10-K. 2018](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983218000013/cost10k9218.htm)
24. [Form 10-K. 2019](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983219000019/cost10k9119.htm)
25. [Form 10-K. 2020](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983220000017/cost-20200830.htm)
26. [Form 10-K. 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983222000021/cost-20220828.htm)
27. [Form 10-K. 2024](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983224000049/cost-20240901.htm)
28. [Form 10-K. 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983225000101/cost-20250831.htm)
29. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/COST.OQ/)
30. [Form 10-K. 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000909832/000090983221000014/cost-20210829.htm)
31. [2020](https://www.gleif.org/content/4-lei-data/8-lei-mapping/1-download-bic-to-lei-relationship-files/bic_lei_gleif_v1_monthly_full_20200327.csv)
32. [proxy statement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983223000058/cost-20231206.htm#iba507df128d54db1885ff2c90438fb87_10)
33. [Form 8-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983224000008/cost-20240205.htm)
34. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/hamilton-james)
35. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/Susan-Decker)
36. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/Kenneth-Denman)
37. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/Richard-Galanti)
38. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/W-Craig-Jelinek)
39. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/salley-jewell)
40. [proxy statement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983219000027/costproxy2019.htm)
41. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20220816005822/https://investor.costco.com/static-files/09847780-4073-454e-8138-2f5634e2577e)
42. [proxy statement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983216000036/costproxy2016.htm#sF026DE50A96E57338A4EFD52024795B3)
43. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/charles-munger)
44. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/jeff-raikes)
45. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/john-stanton)
46. [Source](https://investor.costco.com/board-member/Maggie-Wilderotter)
47. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20221003033425/https://investor.costco.com/board-member/ron-vachris)
48. [Form 8-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909832/000090983223000036/cost-20230816.htm)
49. Quora
50. ROR release v1.51