Costco Wholesale Corporation Closed Now

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a global chain of membership-only warehouse clubs offering discounted merchandise in bulk. From its headquarters in Issaquah, Washington, Costco follows a membership-based retail model, balancing high sales volume with low prices, while deriving most of its operating profit from annual membership fees. In fiscal year 2024 (ending September 1), the company reported net sales of $249.6 billion, up 5.0% from the previous year, and global revenue reached approximately $254.45 billion SECBullfincherStockAnalysis.

Working with around 333,000 employees in 2024, Costco maintains tight profit margins—with an operating margin near 3.9%—but ensures strong loyalty and recurring membership fee income (about half of its operating profit originates from the $4.8 billion in membership fees, which represent less than 2% of total revenue) StockAnalysis+4Macrotrends+4reddit.com+4. At year‑end 2024, Costco had approximately 136.8 million cardholders, with a U.S. and Canada renewal rate of around 92.9%–93% fool.com+2reddit.com+2nasdaq.com+2.

Under CEO Ron Vachris (appointed January 2024), Costco sustained strong growth, solid membership retention, and an expansion of warehouses (approximately 905 worldwide as of early 2025) including plans to open nearly 30 new locations in fiscal 2025 reddit.com+5businessinsider.com+5Wikipedia+5.

Costco’s strategy centers on offering low prices via efficient operations, limited SKU selection, and strong vendor relationships. Its private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, contributes significantly to margins. E‑commerce growth also accelerated, contributing 16.1% comp sales growth during FY24, especially through improved digital infrastructure and partnership services like Uber Eats delivery reddit.com+1investopedia.com+1.

In addition, Costco is known for robust employee-focused policies, including above-average wages (average ~$31/hour) and comprehensive benefits, which translate into higher retention and customer service quality, despite ongoing labor negotiations with the Teamsters covering select U.S. operations apnews.combarrons.com.

Looking ahead, Costco plans growth via new warehouse openings globally, continued membership fee strength, digital enhancements, and further service integration (e‑commerce and delivery). Its low-cost, high-trust operating model remains central to its global retail position