Costco Wholesale

E-commerce

Founded in 1983 in Seattle by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, Costco Wholesale is the world's leading membership warehouse club, serving over 130 million members across 870+ locations.

View Official Costco Wholesale Careers

Official Costco Wholesale Careers Website

Quick Facts

Founded: 1983
Founders: James Sinegal & Jeffrey Brotman
Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington
Public Ticker: NASDAQ: COST

About Costco Wholesale

Costco Wholesale opened its first warehouse in Seattle, Washington in 1983, founded by James (Jim) Sinegal and Jeffrey H. Brotman. In 1993, Costco merged with Price Club (founded by Sol Price in 1976), pioneering the modern membership warehouse retail model.

Costco operates more than 870 warehouse locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Known for its curated high-volume inventory, Kirkland Signature private label, low markup caps, and industry-leading employee wages, Costco generates over $240 billion in annual revenue.

What Costco Wholesale Does

Warehouse Clubs

Bulk membership retail stores featuring grocery, electronics, appliances, apparel, and home goods.

Kirkland Signature

Costco's flagship private label brand delivering premium quality items at significant savings.

Costco.com & E-Commerce

Online shopping, doorstep delivery, pharmacy services, photo center, and business delivery.

Ancillary Services

Member-exclusive gas stations, optical centers, hearing aid centers, pharmacies, and travel booking.

Career Areas

Types of professional roles found inside Costco Wholesale.

IT & Software Development
E-Commerce & Digital Products
Merchandising & Buying
Supply Chain & Logistics
Warehouse Management & Operations
Finance & Accounting
Human Resources & Payroll
Pharmacy & Health Operations

Costco Wholesale's History

1976
Price Club Founded
Sol Price opens Price Club in San Diego, inventing the membership warehouse retail concept.
1983
First Costco Warehouse
Jim Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman open the first Costco warehouse in Seattle, WA.
1993
Costco & Price Club Merge
Merges to form PriceCostco, later officially renamed Costco Wholesale Corporation.
1995
Kirkland Signature Debut
Launches Kirkland Signature brand, consolidating private labels under one premium name.
2019
First Warehouse in China
Opens first location in Shanghai to massive consumer demand, expanding Asian footprint.