FY 2009 Costco Competition Comparison
While Costco is the 3rd largest retailer in the US, it is the leader in the wholesale club market. Costco’s two main competitors, Sam’s Club and BJ’s, all similarly sell bulk merchandise at lower than suggested retail prices. All require a membership to shop in the warehouses, and all distribute a similar assortment of merchandise.
- Sam’s Club operates 602 warehouse clubs nationwide (as of 2008)
- In 2008, Sam’s Club earned $46.8 billion in revenue
- BJ’s operated 180 warehouse clubs across the eastern U.S.
- In 2008, BJ’s earned $10.0 billion in revenue.
| FY 2009 Costco vs. Competitors (billions) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Revenue | Net Income | Operating Margin | Comparable Store Sales | Number of Store Locations |
| Costco | $71.4 | $1.09 | 2.5% | -4% | 527 |
| Sam’s Club (FY 2008) | $46.8 | N/A | 3.4% | 4.8% | 602 |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ) (FY 2008) | $10.0 | $2.3 | 2.3% | 9.4% | 180 |
