Costco Wholesale Corporation, commonly known as Costco, is a multinational retail corporation headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1976 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman. Costco's headquarters is spread across over 122,000 square feet, housing various departments including administration, merchandising, and online operations.

Costco primarily operates as a membership-only warehouse club, providing a wide range of products and services to its members. It offers a variety of groceries, appliances, electronics, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and even gasoline. The company aims to provide quality products to its members at significantly discounted prices.

It achieves this by sourcing its products in bulk from manufacturers and eliminating several overhead costs. With over 800 warehouses globally, Costco operates in several countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The company has expanded through acquisitions and partnerships, with notable subsidiaries including Costco Travel, which offers vacation packages and cruises, and Kirkland Signature, which is Costco's private-label brand.

Known for its competitive pricing and a loyal customer base, Costco ranks as one of the world's largest retailers. In terms of global sales, it consistently remains among the top retailers globally. It competes in the retail industry with other warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club, as well as traditional retailers such as Walmart and Target.

To foster growth and maintain its market position, Costco has made noteworthy strategic changes. It has increased its focus on expanding its e-commerce presence, offering online shopping and speedy delivery services to its members. Additionally, Costco introduced a grocery delivery service and expanded its reach through partnerships with third-party delivery providers.

As of the latest updates, Costco continues to experience success in its sales and membership growth. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has adapted rapidly by implementing safety protocols and increasing its e-commerce capabilities. Costco's strong market position and customer loyalty bode well for its future growth and expansion plans