Costco

Costco, incorporated in 1983, is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States. The company operates primarily in three business segments: merchandise, ancillary businesses, and membership. Merchandise encompasses a vast array of products sold in bulk at discounted prices, such as groceries, appliances, electronics, and clothing. Ancillary businesses include gas stations, pharmacies, food courts, optical centers, and hearing aid centers within the Costco ecosystem. The membership segment is central to the Costco business model, requiring customers to pay a fee for access to its warehouse clubs and online shopping. The most recognizable brand associated with Costco is Kirkland Signature, which is the company's private label that competes with national brand products. Costco's reach is extensive, yet its most critical markets remain the United States and Canada. The company also sells products and services in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Spain, France, and China, with the latter involving a joint venture in Taiwan and a Costco store in Shanghai. (Powered by AI)