About the Retailer:
Costco is a large warehouse “club” selling food, appliances, hardware, electronics, home and office supplies, holiday items, and much more. All these goods are available to members only. Costco is known for its bulk sizes and affordable prices.
At some Costco locations additional services include Costco photocentre, travel advisors, and rental vehicles. Most locations also have an optical centre that provides eye exams and prescription glasses and contact lenses. Before you leave, stop to fill your gas tank at a great low price at the Costco gas bar! Have a look at the Costco flyer to find weekly savings and great sales!
Costco has partnered with Aeroplan to allow its customers to collect points with their regular purchases.
Costco has developed the Costco App for customers to use. This makes it easier to browse the incredible selection of products available and get the best value with every shopping experience. Costcos magazine, The Costco Connection, is another great way to plan your trip.
Origins of the Retailer:
Costco was founded as Price Club in 1976 in San Diego, California. The first Costco store in Canada opened in 2001. Since then, nearly 100 more warehouses have opened in major retail centres across Canada! Costco has spread to almost 700 warehouses in nine countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Spain. The first store, a converted airplane hangar, is still open today in San Diego!
Pay a small fee to get a Costco membership and save all year! Choose between the Costco Gold Star, Costco Business, or Costco Executive memberships. Enjoy savings of up to 2% in warehouse and Costco online.
Although Costco sells a variety of brands, it also has its own private label, Kirkland Signature, which allows the store to sell quality products at an increased discount. Costco also co-brands with top brands in every department to offer its customers the largest savings possible.
Costco is concerned for the environment and has worked to sustainably source many of the products it sells, from chocolate to fish. Costco also recycles e-waste and some hazardous materials, including old paint, tires, batteries and pharmaceuticals. You can visit their website to learn what products are accepted at your closest store.
