Costco Wholesale Corporation, known for its membership-only warehouse clubs, has become a staple in American consumer culture. Offering a wide range of products from groceries to electronics, Costco has established a strong presence across the United States. This article explores the current number of Costco stores in the U.S. and identifies which state boasts the most locations.
Current number of Costco stores
As of May 27, 2024, there are 611 Costco stores in the United States. This number reflects Costco’s steady growth and commitment to accessibility for its members. The company’s expansion strategy has been focused on opening new warehouses in various regions to ensure that a greater number of consumers can enjoy the benefits of its bulk purchasing model. Note that to shop at Costco you must be a member, which for the basic membership currently costs $60 a year, plus any applicable sales tax.
State with the most Costco stores
California stands out as the state with the most Costco stores, housing 138 locations with Texas coming in at second with 33 stores. But Costco only has one store in Arkansas, Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington D.C. It still has no presence in Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Costco dominance in California accounts for approximately 23% of all Costco stores in the U.S., highlighting California’s significant role in Costco’s nationwide presence. The concentration of stores in California can be attributed to several factors, including the state’s large population, economic status, and consumer spending power.
Costco’s impact on retail
Costco’s expansion is not just about numbers, it also reflects the company’s impact on retail in America. Despite having fewer stores compared to its main competitor, Walmart, Costco has managed to achieve the highest average sales volume per store among the top three mass retailers in the United States. This success is a testament to Costco’s business model, which prioritizes quality products at competitive prices, coupled with an efficient shopping experience.
Costco has stores across the globe, most of which are found in the United States, with Canada and Mexico as their second and third markets. New Costco locations are opened regularly, with new warehouses scheduled to open for the remainder of 2024. Interestingly enough, Costco’s method of sales is significantly different from other stores in the retail space. For example, Costco does not advertise, tell customers where to find things, or even offer bags for their products and yet still boasts the position of third best wholesaler in the U.S only behind Walmart and Amazon.
Membership growth and revenue
The growth in store count goes hand-in-hand with an increase in membership. As of February 2023, Costco boasts 123 million members worldwide. This growing membership base contributes to Costco’s impressive annual revenue, which stands at $222.7 billion. The company’s ability to retain and attract new members is crucial to its continued success and expansion.
Costco’s growing dominance
Costco’s presence in the U.S. is significant and continues to grow. With 611 stores across the nation and California leading with 138 locations, Costco remains a dominant force in American retail. The company’s focus on providing value to its members through a diverse product range and competitive pricing has solidified its position as a go-to destination for consumers looking to make smart purchasing decisions.
As Costco continues to expand its footprint, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics. For now, it remains clear that Costco is a key player in the U.S. retail landscape, with no signs of slowing down.
