Costco operates membership warehouses selling food, household goods and other merchandise. Its model emphasizes a limited selection and high sales volumes, including its Kirkland Signature private-label brand.
History and development
Costco's heritage combines Price Club, started in San Diego in 1976, with Costco, launched in Seattle in 1983. They merged in 1993. Membership-based warehouse retailing connects these two histories and distinguishes the company's model from a conventional retail store.
References: Costco: company information