About Us

Costco Wholesale is a leading membership-based warehouse club in the United States and globally, headquartered in Itsaquah, Washington. Founded in 1983, with its first warehouse store opening in Seattle, the company later merged with Price Club and has since grown into a Fortune Global 500 company. Our mission is simple: to provide members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We operate over 600 large warehouse stores (averaging approximately 145,000 square feet) in the United States and have expanded to over 870 stores worldwide. We offer groceries, fresh food, a pharmacy, an optics center, a hearing aid center, tire services, gas stations, a food court, and home goods. We proudly practice a membership model, committed to bringing exceptional bulk shopping experiences to every family.

Core Brands and Membership Policies

1. Value and Price Commitment
Low Margin Operation: We keep the gross margin of most products below 14% (even lower for our own brands), directly passing the savings back to our members through bulk purchasing and efficient operations.

Kirkland Signature: Our own brand is known for its top quality at lower prices, covering food, daily necessities, apparel, health supplements, and more, trusted by our members.

Double Guarantee Policy: Except for certain electronics (90 days) and specific items, we offer a 100% unconditional return guarantee—full refund if you are not satisfied, no reason required.

Member Rebate Program: Members can enjoy 2% cashback annually on purchases (up to $1,000). Combined with the Citibank co-branded credit card, the additional cashback can cover several times the membership fee.

2. Freshness Guarantee

"Freshness equals peace of mind": If you are not satisfied with our fresh meat, seafood, baked goods, cooked food, or fruits and vegetables, we promise a full refund or free replacement.

Traceable and Sustainable Sourcing: We prioritize MSC-certified sustainable seafood, antibiotic-free chicken, and organic produce, and partner with farms in the United States to reduce food miles.

3. Member Experience and Convenience Services
One-Stop Warehouse Service: In addition to everyday groceries and household goods, we also offer:

Pharmacy & Prescription Delivery

Optics Center (Optometry and Eyeglasses)

Hearing Aid Center (Free Testing)

Tire Center (Installation, Balancing, and Free Tire Repair)

Gas Stations (Usually 10–20 cents/gallon lower than market price)

Food Court ($1.50 hot dog + drink combo, price unchanged for 30 years)

Photo Center (Passport photos, large prints, etc.)

Online Shopping and Delivery: Costco.com offers thousands of exclusive online items with same-day, next-day delivery (in select markets), or warehouse pickup options.

Free Samples and Trial Zones: Our signature "Sample Stations" allow members to sample new products for free while shopping, a fun experience for the whole family.

4. Community Commitment
Children and Education Support: The Costco Charitable Foundation supports children's hospitals, scholarship programs, youth nutrition programs, and local schools.

Hunger Relief: 100% of unsold but safe perishable foods (such as baked goods, deli items, and produce) are donated to local food banks annually through the Hunger Relief Program.

Supporting Local Businesses: We prioritize partnerships with small and minority-owned suppliers in the U.S., and feature a "Local Brands Recommendation" section in our stores.

5. Sustainability Policies
Zero Waste Goal: Through recycling, composting, and donation, over 80% of waste from our stores nationwide is saved from landfill.

Energy and Climate: Large-scale installation of rooftop solar panels and the deployment of electric trucks in multiple distribution centers. A commitment to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Eco-Friendly Products: Promoting compostable tableware, plastic-free refill packs, organic cotton clothing, and energy-efficient appliances.

6. Inclusion and Accessibility
Welcome to All: We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all our stores offer accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, and height-adjustable service counters.

Multicultural Selection: Features an international food section (including Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, etc.) and seasonally offers kosher, halal, and gluten-free products.

Newcomer Friendly: Access to pharmacies, eye exams, and vaccination services (in some states) is available without a membership, helping new families transition smoothly.

7. Employee and Workplace Policies
Above-Industry Standard Compensation: Costco is known for its starting salary of $18.50+/hour (2024), universal health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid vacation. Over 90% of management positions are filled by frontline employees.

Respect and Safety: Strict anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, anonymous whistleblowing hotlines in every warehouse, and a union-neutral stance (some stores are unionized).

Career Development: Offers tuition reimbursement, skills training, and clear career paths—average annual salary exceeding $80,000 from stock clerk to store manager.

Costco Wholesale: Serving our members, never compromising on quality and price.

Join us and make every dollar count.