Initiated in 1998 by David Sinegal, son of former CEO Jim Sinegal, Costco.com is a fairly new and growing avenue of Costco. In 2012, approximately 30% of Costco members shopped on Costco.com. While this may seem like a low and perhaps even discouraging number for potential vendors, Costco.com still manages to receive millions of monthly page views and billions in annual sales. In 2008, only 12% percent of members shopped on Costco.com. This large increase in member traction speaks to the enormous potential Costco.com holds for the future.

While Costco.com product sales are certainly not as high as in-store sales, Costco.com does offer several advantages to vendors and members alike. Both parties have a lot to gain from pursuing this avenue, and our next posts will explore the many advantages Costco.com offers.

Visit our next blog to read all about Costco.com member advantages