13 Stores Like Costco (Similar Stores In Us, Canada + More)
Costco’s logo since 1997
|
|
 |
|
| Type |
Public |
|---|---|
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Nasdaq : COST NASDAQ-100 Component S&P 100 Component S&P 500 Component |
|
| Industry |
Retail |
| Predecessor |
Price Club |
| Founded |
July 12, 1976 ( 1976-07-12 ) (as Price Club) San Diego, California , U.S. September 15, 1983 ( 1983-09-15 ) (as Costco) Seattle, Washington , U.S. |
| Founders |
James Sinegal Jeffrey Brotman Sol Price Robert Price |
| Headquarters |
,
U.S.
|
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Number of locations
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804 [1] (2021) |
|
Area served
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Australia Canada China France Iceland Japan Mexico New Zealand South Korea Spain Taiwan United Kingdom United States |
|
Key people
|
Hamilton E. James (Chairman) W. Craig Jelinek (President and CEO) |
| Brands | Kirkland Signature |
| Services |
Merchandise Cash & Carry Warehouse club Filling stations |
| Revenue |
 US$166.76 billion [2] (2020) |
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US$6.023 billion [2] (2020) |
|
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US$4.002 billion [2] (2020) |
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Total assets |
US$45.40 billion [2] (2019) |
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Total equity |
US$15.24 billion [2] (2019) |
| Members |
105.5 million [3] (2020) |
|
Number of employees
|
273,000 [3] (2020) |
| Website |
www .costco .com  |
Costco remains a favorite option for bulk-shopping, but other alternatives may be more appealing.
When customers think of wholesale stores that remind them of Costco, the first to pop into their mind is probably Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club may be more popular than Costco in certain areas.
Sam’s Club operates under Walmart and is the main competitor to Costco.
Sam’s Club Shoppers receive a $45, annual membership, which allows them to access bulk food, clothing, and office supplies at much lower prices than other stores, except Costco.
Sam’s Club members get many exclusive benefits, including the delicious Sam’s Club weekend samples.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, which is nearly as famous as Sam’s Club and Costco, is about as well-known. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers three types of memberships: Perks Rewards, Inner Circle and Business Memberships.
Inner Circle Members can enjoy a $55/year membership, as well as a complimentary friend or family member membership. At BJ’s locations, members have access to groceries, electronics, furniture, and more.
A member can save up to 25% on groceries, and also get access to exclusive perks like the following:
Wholesale and retail shopping outside the US is equally common. South Africa’s Makro is Costco’s equivalent wholesale.
Initially, the Makro brand began solely as a chain of wholesale stores belonging to a larger parent company. Over the years, however, Makro has expanded its operations to include online savings.
Makro, Massmart discount retailer and Walmart merged in 2011, allowing the company to be more competitive on the wholesale market.
Customers who shop at Makro have access to the mCard and mRewards program, which allows them to earn exclusive rewards and discounts on the following:
Members can also receive cashback for downloading the app and using it when they make purchases.
Lidl (the UK version of Costco) offers discount groceries and home products at some of their lowest prices.
Shoppers can enjoy exclusive Lidl Plus benefits through their rewards app.
Wholesale Club Canada, an exclusive Canadian retail outlet for owner-operators of foodservice establishments, was established in 1999. It is possible to join the Wholesale Club and shop online or at one of their locations, although it is not required.
For members of Wholesale Club, some benefits are specifically targeted towards business owners, such as the following:
PriceSmart is another popular wholesaler outside the US. PriceSmart is a wholesale retailer that offers four different membership levels.
You can save on bulk products similar to those sold in other shops by shopping with us. Members also get exclusive perks such as:
Most purchases can earn up to 2% cashback capped at $500/yr.
City Club Mexico has recently been added to its roster as a wholesale club. City Club Mexican stores were established in 2002.
City Club Mexico is available in 34 different locations. This club offers great savings for those who consume large quantities and businesses.
City Club Members are awarded for large purchases. Every purchase exceeding $2000 receives 2% cashback, which can be used to pay for future purchases.
Although this retailer is different from the other wholesale clubs (they do not sell food items), they have been in business for over 20 years.
Africa Imports allows you to make wholesale or resale purchases. The wholesale price is for individuals who resell the items and the retail price for your personal use.
Unlike other wholesale clubs, there is a $100 minimum purchase required to receive wholesale pricing. Africa import offers African clothes, soaps and incense as well as instruments.
Africa Imports not only helps wholesalers but also offers training on how to establish your own company selling products from the catalog.
Target might not be a discount store for some but their customers have been able save quite a lot at their stores throughout the years. Savings that rival Walmart and Costco are even possible.
Target not only offers weekly deals, which can be found under the “Deals” tab on their site but also has exclusive benefits for Target Circle or Red Card members.
Target Circle coupons will provide you with savings that are based on the past purchase.
A customer could, for example, receive digital coupons to purchase baby and pet care products or other health food products.
For members with either a Red Card debit/credit card, you receive exclusive benefits such as the following:
Trader Joe’s a specialty supermarket that sells high-quality, affordable products. The store offers a large selection of kitchenware as well as food items that will improve the taste and enjoyment of your meals.
Trader Joe’s might seem like a discount retailer, however they’re of high quality.
However, for the specialty items that these stores carry, you receive extreme savings. These stores offer a vast array of Trader Joe products, which are much cheaper than buying expensive brands.
Also, the store tests products for taste and quality before placing them in their stores, they buy in bulk and haggle to get the best price, passing savings on to shoppers.
Trader Joe’s does not charge suppliers any shelf fees, which raises the price. They also remove underperforming products from their shelves quickly.
When looking for inexpensive fruits, veggies, and specialty foods, many consumers turn to Aldi. Aldi’s products, much like Trader Joe’s are all private label, so shoppers can enjoy lower prices.
In addition, products that are not store-brand are constantly cycling in and out of the store. Aldi Findings is like looking for treasure in the grocery shop because you never really know what they might be.
Aldi also saves money by using certain operations such as charging carts or shopping bags. If you pay quarter for a cart in Aldi, it is encouraged that you bring the bag back to the store to receive the quarter.
Aldi will accept your return cart without the need for staff members. Instead of paying extra to buy a bag, bring your own. These two operational methods help Aldi keep its costs low.
Sprouts Farmers Market has healthy food and is affordable. There are many ways you can save at Sprouts. From digital coupons to exclusive deals on apps, to sale items to buying fresh food.
The company website features a Deals of The Month Section. Here you will find monthly featured specials on all sorts of grocery items.
Cub Foods is another local discount grocery store. The brand is growing and they now offer many benefits including an updated website and Instacart delivery.
With the My Cub Rewards App and discount card, shoppers get access to the following perks:
Holiday Station Stores offers points redemption
To know more about Costco, you can also see our posts on Costco’s target market, Walmart vs. Costco, and if China owns Costco.
Warehouse club membership and discount market growth is driving it important that you find the right store to meet your needs.
Costco warehouse clubs are becoming a very popular option for those who wish to save money due to their huge discount on bulk products.
Similar to the larger discount stores, smaller stores can offer lower prices on certain foods that are not available in bigger outlets.
Shopping at wholesale clubs or discount stores is great. If you find the lowest prices in one spot, there is no reason to go looking for them elsewhere.
.13 Stores Like Costco (Similar Stores In Us, Canada + More)