Costco Wholesale Corporation operates an international chain of membership warehouses, mainly under the "Costco Wholesale" name, that carry quality, brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources. The warehouses are designed to help small- to medium-sized businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and for everyday business use. Individuals also may purchase for their personal needs.

Costco warehouses present one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under a single roof. Categories include groceries, candy, appliances, television and media, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. Costco is known for carrying top-quality national and regional brands, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Members also can shop for private label Kirkland Signature™ products, designed to be of equal or better quality than national brands, including juice, cookies, coffee, housewares, luggage, clothing and detergent. The Company also operates self-service gasoline stations at a number of its U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, Taiwan, and Iceland locations.

Additionally, Costco Wholesale Industries, a division of the Company, operates manufacturing businesses, including special food packaging, optical laboratories, meat processing and jewelry distribution. These businesses have a common goal of providing members with high quality products at substantially lower prices.

According to Craig Jelinek, the Company's director and former CEO, "Costco is able to offer lower prices and better values by eliminating virtually all the frills and costs historically associated with conventional wholesalers and retailers, including salespeople, fancy buildings, delivery, billing and accounts receivable. We run a tight operation with extremely low overhead which enables us to pass dramatic savings to our members."

Costco is open only to members and offers three types of membership: Executive, Business and Gold Star. Executive Members receive additional savings on Costco Services such as auto and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, check printing, identity protection, payment processing and bottled water delivery. Executive Members in the U.S earn an annual 2% Reward (up to $1,250) on qualified Costco purchases. (Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See the membership counter for details.) All types of membership include one free Household Card. Costco membership cards are accepted at Costco locations worldwide and online at Costco.com.

Business Members qualify by owning or operating a business, and pay an annual fee ($65 in the U.S.) to shop for resale, business and personal use. This fee includes one free Household Card. Business Members may purchase additional membership cards ($65 each) for partners or associates in the business.

Gold Star Members pay a $65 annual fee (in the U.S.), to shop for personal use. Individuals who don’t own a business may sign up for a Gold Star Membership. This fee includes one free Household Card.

Costco warehouses generally are open seven days a week for all members.

Costco is a Washington corporation, publicly traded under the Nasdaq ticker symbol "COST", with its home office in Issaquah, Washington.

Costco's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to August 31st.

A more complete description of the Company and its business is contained in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.