This issue’s cover story is not only a great show-and-tell of Costco’s growth, but for me, as a 36-year employee, it’s also a bit of a trip down memory lane. As the story explains, Costco started off as a place that sold a limited number of items, often in bulk sizes, in a no-frills warehouse building. It’s hard to accurately convey what a novel concept it was at the time. Seeing people shop in warehouses with bare, concrete floors that they paid to get into felt almost revolutionary in the early 1980s.
And it was. As the company grew in size and in success, we began to ask if the Costco model could apply to other essentials that we all need. You know, things such as gas, home appliances, glasses and contacts, pharmacy items and more. The answer was, and is, yes. Each successive new area of the company was developed as a way to increase the value of your Costco membership.
A great example is our Kirkland Signature™ line of products. We have developed products for our private-label brand in nearly every category you’ll find in our warehouses, from clothing to household goods to pet food. The label means that Costco buyers played a key role in creating the product (sometimes completely from scratch) and that it has received our stamp of approval—our signature—that it offers a particularly excellent value to our members. This issue’s Special Section discusses new developments in our Kirkland Signature line.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this issue and that Costco helps you make the most of this time of year.
- We’ll be taking a look at the company Jazwares, which is behind the cuddly and collectible Squishmallows.
The Costco Connection is published by Costco Wholesale. All editorial material, including editorial comments, opinion and statements of fact appearing in this publication, represents the views of the respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of Costco Wholesale or its officers. Information in the Costco Connection is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. The publication of any advertisements is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement. Products advertised may not be available at all locations at the time of publication. Publishing offices are located at 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027. Copyright © 2023 Costco Wholesale.
