Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (2024)

Table of Contents
A Costco in Los Angeles has everything Costco is known for having. Including vast isles filled with food and drink items. All the technology you could ever need. A wide selection of clothing. And things you never knew you needed in bulk, like 72 Eggo Homestyle waffles. There's also a "small batch" of Kentucky straight bourbon. And some things you never knew you needed at all, like this electric fireplace. Most of the world's Costco warehouses are in the US and Canada. But in Canada, Costco is the only warehouse club store. That means that in Canada, Costco doesn't have to compete with other stores like Sam's Club or BJ's Wholesale. So Costco does really well in Canada. In fact, it's the second-largest retailer in all of Canada after Walmart. While Costco warehouses around the world have many local vendors supplying their products, Costco Canada's selection may be more like Costco warehouses in the US than any other country. And this is because Costco Canada gets some of its vendors from the US. "If we notice in the US something's doing extremely well, and it makes sense with what we know our member wants today, we'll call that vendor and say, 'Want to come up in Canada and meet with us?'" a senior food VP at Costco told Canadian Grocer. Across the pond, Costco has 28 locations in the UK, one of which is in Manchester, England. Costco works a bit different in the UK. Aside from plenty of UK brands, one other trait sets UK Costco warehouses apart. In the UK, Costco memberships are cheaper, but they're not for everyone. In order to get a membership at Costco in the UK, you have to have one of only a few different occupations. The different occupations range from finance to public service, and they can all be found on Costco's website. This is because, in the UK, Costco keeps a "low profile," and only wants customers with "steadier jobs," according to the Guardian. And the result is a lower membership fee. Across the globe, Costco has 26 stores in Japan. In Japan's Costco stores, you'll see both English and Japanese languages on products and throughout the store. While sections like tech are pretty similar to other Costco stores ... ... the significant differences come in the seafood section, as you might've guessed, where this crab was on sale for almost $200. There's even seafood incorporated into their prepared foods, like this pizza, which has shrimp and squid on it. Costco in Japan is also known for its meat section, which includes beef bulgogi, a product that isn't sold in Costco warehouses in the US. Also, in Japan, Costco warehouses are open 364 days a year — every day except January 1, unlike US locations, which close for major holidays. Just southwest of Japan, Costco in China has a really interesting situation. In all of China, there is only one Costco. And it just opened in the summer of 2019. Opening day at Costco Shanghai was extremely crowded and chaotic. In fact, the sheer volume of members at Costco Shanghai's opening day broke records. So much so that the warehouse had to close early. In Shanghai, Costco's customers are drawn to the meat section for its low prices ... ... especially those rotisserie chickens. After such a crazy opening day, Costco plans to open another store in Shanghai, China. Just southeast of China, Costco has 13 locations in Taiwan. This one is in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It has an escalator that holds shopping carts ... ... and ads line the walls in light-up boxes. About two-fifths of the products in Taiwan's Costco warehouses come from the US. Some of their locally sourced items include these fresh cakes that come in many flavors. Far south of Taiwan, Australia has 11 Costco locations. All Costco warehouses locally source vendors, and Australia's Costco warehouses are no different. In fact, most of the produce in Australia's Costco warehouses is locally grown. And Costco sells Australian Angus beef, which also supports the local farming industry. This particular Australian Costco has a shockingly huge home section, according to Business Insider. Like in the other countries, Australia's Costco warehouses look like Costco warehouses in the US, but some key differences are worth noting if you're a traveling Costco member. FAQs References

A Costco in Los Angeles has everything Costco is known for having.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (1)

Foto: A Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceKevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

Including vast isles filled with food and drink items.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (2)

Foto: The inside of a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

All the technology you could ever need.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (3)

Foto: The tech section at a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

A wide selection of clothing.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (4)

Foto: The clothing section at a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

And things you never knew you needed in bulk, like 72 Eggo Homestyle waffles.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (5)

Foto: Eggos in the frozen section at a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

There's also a "small batch" of Kentucky straight bourbon.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (6)

Foto: A lot of whiskey for sale at a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

And some things you never knew you needed at all, like this electric fireplace.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (7)

Foto: An electric fireplace for sale in a Costco in Los Angeles, California.sourceDave Johnson

Source: Business Insider

Most of the world's Costco warehouses are in the US and Canada. But in Canada, Costco is the only warehouse club store.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (8)

Foto: A Costco entrance in Toronto, Canada.sourceZoran Karapancev/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

That means that in Canada, Costco doesn't have to compete with other stores like Sam's Club or BJ's Wholesale.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (9)

Foto: Costco bakery section in Hamilton, Canada.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

So Costco does really well in Canada.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (10)

Foto: The food court at a Costco in Toronto, Canada.sourcedennzin/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

In fact, it's the second-largest retailer in all of Canada after Walmart.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (11)

Foto: The tech section in a Costco in Hamilton, Canada.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

While Costco warehouses around the world have many local vendors supplying their products, Costco Canada's selection may be more like Costco warehouses in the US than any other country.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (12)

Foto: Costco bakery section in Hamilton, Canada.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

See Also
Cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands: the ultimate 2024 guideCostco is opening 11 new locations through November – see the full listCostco's average customer shops there at least twice per month and spends around $100 on each visitOpening Hours for Costco in Amsterdam | Opening Times Nearby

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

And this is because Costco Canada gets some of its vendors from the US.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (13)

Foto: A tire section in Costco, Toronto.sourcedennizn/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

"If we notice in the US something's doing extremely well, and it makes sense with what we know our member wants today, we'll call that vendor and say, 'Want to come up in Canada and meet with us?'" a senior food VP at Costco told Canadian Grocer.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (14)

Foto: The clothing section in a Costco in Hamilton, Canada.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Narcity, Canadian Grocer, CBC

Across the pond, Costco has 28 locations in the UK, one of which is in Manchester, England.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (15)

Foto: The Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian, The Kitchn

Costco works a bit different in the UK. Aside from plenty of UK brands, one other trait sets UK Costco warehouses apart.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (16)

Foto: Customers inside the Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian

In the UK, Costco memberships are cheaper, but they're not for everyone.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (17)

Foto: The bakery section at the Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian, Costco

In order to get a membership at Costco in the UK, you have to have one of only a few different occupations.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (18)

Foto: Customers inside the Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian, Costco

The different occupations range from finance to public service, and they can all be found on Costco's website.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (19)

Foto: Customers inside the Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian, The Kitchn

This is because, in the UK, Costco keeps a "low profile," and only wants customers with "steadier jobs," according to the Guardian. And the result is a lower membership fee.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (20)

Foto: The clothing section in Costco in Manchester, England.sourceAlastair Wallace/Shutterstock

Source: Forbes, The Guardian, The Kitchn

Across the globe, Costco has 26 stores in Japan.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (21)

Foto: A Costco in Chiba, Japan.sourceEd Snowman/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

In Japan's Costco stores, you'll see both English and Japanese languages on products and throughout the store.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (22)

Foto: The tech section at a Costco in Chiba, Japan.sourceEd Snowman/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

While sections like tech are pretty similar to other Costco stores ...

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (23)

Foto: The tech section at a Costco in Chiba, Japan.sourceEd Snowman/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

... the significant differences come in the seafood section, as you might've guessed, where this crab was on sale for almost $200.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (24)

See Also
Costco accused of “greedflation”: Wholesaler reports increase in earnings while hiking up prices

Foto: 19,900 Japanese yen is almost $200 in the US.sourceFacebook/Michael Gozzard

Source: Business Insider

There's even seafood incorporated into their prepared foods, like this pizza, which has shrimp and squid on it.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (25)

Foto: A pizza in a Japanese Costco has shellfish on it.sourceFacebook/Michael Gozzard

Source: Business Insider

Costco in Japan is also known for its meat section, which includes beef bulgogi, a product that isn't sold in Costco warehouses in the US.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (26)

Foto: The meat section at a Costco in Japan.sourceAP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

Source: Business Insider, Forbes

Also, in Japan, Costco warehouses are open 364 days a year — every day except January 1, unlike US locations, which close for major holidays.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (27)

Foto: A Costco parking lot in Chiba, Japan.sourceEd Snowman/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

Just southwest of Japan, Costco in China has a really interesting situation.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (28)

Foto: Shopping bags at Costco Shanghai.sourceCabagin/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

In all of China, there is only one Costco.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (29)

Foto: There is one Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceGoogle Maps

And it just opened in the summer of 2019.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (30)

Foto: The Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceAly Song/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

Opening day at Costco Shanghai was extremely crowded and chaotic.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (31)

Foto: A crowded opening day at the Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceAly Song/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

In fact, the sheer volume of members at Costco Shanghai's opening day broke records.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (32)

Foto: A crowded opening day at the Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceHECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

So much so that the warehouse had to close early.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (33)

Foto: A crowded opening day at the Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceAly Song/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

In Shanghai, Costco's customers are drawn to the meat section for its low prices ...

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (34)

Foto: A crowded opening day at the Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceAly Song/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

... especially those rotisserie chickens.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (35)

Foto: Rotisserie chickens in Costco's Shanghai location on opening day.sourceCabagin/Shutterstock

Source: Business Insider

After such a crazy opening day, Costco plans to open another store in Shanghai, China.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (36)

Foto: A crowded opening day at the Costco in Shanghai, China.sourceAly Song/Reuters

Source: Business Insider, China Knowledge

Just southeast of China, Costco has 13 locations in Taiwan. This one is in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (37)

Foto: The Costco in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.sourceAndy.LIU/Shutterstock

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Vice

It has an escalator that holds shopping carts ...

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (38)

Foto: The main elevator in the Costco in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.sourceAndy.LIU/Shutterstock

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Vice

... and ads line the walls in light-up boxes.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (39)

Foto: Ads on the walls of the Costco in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.sourceAndy.LIU/Shutterstock

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Vice

About two-fifths of the products in Taiwan's Costco warehouses come from the US.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (40)

Foto: The frozen section in the Costco in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.sourceAndy.LIU/Shutterstock

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Vice

Some of their locally sourced items include these fresh cakes that come in many flavors.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (41)

Foto: Fresh cakes come in all different flavors at Costco in Taiwan.sourceAndy.LIU/Shutterstock

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Vice

Far south of Taiwan, Australia has 11 Costco locations.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (42)

Foto: A Costco on a cloudy day in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

All Costco warehouses locally source vendors, and Australia's Costco warehouses are no different.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (43)

Foto: The clothing section at a Costco in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

In fact, most of the produce in Australia's Costco warehouses is locally grown.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (44)

Foto: The produce section at a Costco in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

And Costco sells Australian Angus beef, which also supports the local farming industry.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (45)

Foto: The meat section at a Costco in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

This particular Australian Costco has a shockingly huge home section, according to Business Insider.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (46)

Foto: The home section at a Costco in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

Like in the other countries, Australia's Costco warehouses look like Costco warehouses in the US, but some key differences are worth noting if you're a traveling Costco member.

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (47)

Foto: A Costco in Sydney, Australia.sourceCarrigan English/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

Shopping at Costco can look completely different depending on the country — here are all the main differences (2024)

FAQs

Do different Costcos have different items? ›

Because of this, Costco estimates that more than 70% of the specific items found at a Costco Business Center (whether in terms of category, brand or size) are not offered at other Costco warehouses.

Explore More ›
Is Costco in different countries? ›

As of April 2024, Costco has 876 warehouses worldwide: 600 in the United States, 108 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 4 in Puerto Rico, 33 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 18 in South Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, 6 in China, 4 in Spain, 2 in France, 1 in Iceland, 1 in New Zealand, and 1 in Sweden.

View More ›
How does Costco differ from other retailers? ›

(Parnell, 2014) Because of the economies of scale Costco has, they can offer lower costs on name brand items in bulk for its members. Membership is a strange way to start a retail relationship, although many stores have started strong membership benefits and online shopping options following Covid-19 in 2020.

Tell Me More ›
What's unique about Costco? ›

Costco's business model is rather simple and it relies on efficient operations. “Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members. Our large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with our never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best possible prices for our members.”

See More ›
Do all Costco locations have the same stuff? ›

Individual stores choose their stock based on local demand, the overall size of the warehouse, and other external factors. That means that two different Costcos may offer special products that the other may not have.

Explore More ›
Are Costco deals the same everywhere? ›

Many factors play into why there can be price differences on the same items at different Costco warehouse locations. Our location managers and buying teams keep a close watch on inventory and pricing. At times, our suppliers may adjust item prices on additional shipments.

See More ›
Does every Costco look the same? ›

After all, while the massive stores may seem identical in terms of layout, each location is actually unique in terms of select prices and products. If you're a detail-oriented shopper on the hunt for the best deals and specialty or seasonal products, it could be worthwhile to shop at more than one Costco.

See Details ›
Why is there no Costco in India? ›

The current government policy does to stop the company from entering India. However, the company is looking for local partners to expedite its penetration in the Indian wholesale retail market.

Read The Full Story ›
What country owns Costco? ›

Costco is headquartered in Washington state in the United States and opened its first warehouse in Seattle in 1983.

Know More ›
What are the two types of Costco? ›

Costco Business Center vs. Costco Wholesale
Regular WarehouseBusiness Center
Open toAll Costco membersAll Costco members
Caters toHouseholdsBusinesses
DeliveryLimited residentialLimited commercial
PricingLow/bulkLow/extra bulk
4 more rows
Jul 1, 2023

Show Me More ›

Who is the biggest competitor to Costco? ›

Walmart. Walmart is one of Costco's leading competitors and alternatives. Founded in 1962, Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. With over 10,500 stores worldwide, Walmart is a significant player in the retail industry.

See Details ›
Which Costco location is bigger? ›

Currently, the largest Costco store as of now is in Salt Lake City and sits at 250,000 square feet.

Read More ›
What makes Costco different from its competitors? ›

Key Takeaways. Costco makes some of its profits from its merchandise, but the bulk of its profits come from membership dues. Only members can shop at Costco. The membership business model allows Costco to undersell the competition by offering products in bulk at lower prices to ensure customer loyalty.

See More ›
What are Costco's weaknesses? ›

Although Costco has experienced tremendous success, there are several risks to its business model.
  • Consumer Preferences. Changing consumer preferences could affect Costco. ...
  • Memberships. One of the biggest risks with Costco's business model is its dependence on memberships. ...
  • Omnichannel Experiences. ...
  • Bulk Items Delivered.

Show Me More ›
What's the big deal about Costco? ›

It is the perfect place for shoppers seeking affordability, convenience and an unmatched shopping experience. Costco's sheer affordability is truly unparalleled. The store's bulk-buying model allows customers to access products at prices that often seem too good to be true.

Learn More ›
Can you see what items Costco has in store? ›

There are several ways that you can determine the availability of an item at your local warehouse: Visit the membership counter at your local Costco in person. Call your local warehouse and choose the phone menu option for Membership. Select Contact Us.

Read On ›
Does business Costco have same stuff as regular Costco? ›

CostcoBusinessDelivery.com does not have many of the standard items found on Costco.com, like jewelry, clothing, and hearing aids, but it does have a great mix of must-have items for all Costco members, as well as a large selection of essential business items.

Explore More ›
Do companies make different products for Costco? ›

Nationally known companies like Starbucks, Duracell, and Reynolds produce an exclusive version for Costco that meets its strict standards for quality and price point. Costco's goal is to make Kirkland's products "equal or better quality than national brands" while striving for comparative savings of at least 20%.

Get More Info ›
Are all Costco stores laid out the same? ›

This is what's known as Costco's "treasure hunt." The design layout of every warehouse is constantly changing as employees shift products around and rotate the items on sale.

Get More Info Here ›

References

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