Case Study 1: Costco Wholesale in 2008: Mission, Business Model and Strategy

turnover, which is made possible by low prices and limited product selection. This business model is appealing for them and has many benefits. Firstly, by setting up the business approach to rapidly

Costco Wholesale Corporation’s organizational structure is based on the company’s current operation and locations as well as the market. The organization structure is the shape to connect different organizational components to address the business needs. Costco’s organizational structure active enables the management of operations in different markets. Even though Costco is the biggest membership warehouse club in America, and designed it structure for success in the management of it business in the U.S. and overseas. Costco would have to change its organizational structure within time to suit the expanding global operations.

Costco’s business model is concentrated on generating high purchase levels and fast inventory gross revenue by extending members low rates on a controlled assortment of nationwide name brands and top quality private-label goods in a wide-ranging assortment. Costco’s attentive in the low-cost approach is focused on a limited purchase sector and out striving competitors by devising low down prices, consequently remaining proficient enough to achieve a niche consumers at a lower price.

Costco has many risks associated with its financial and operational performance. One of the biggest risks that Costco is facing todays is the competition from other retailers and wholesalers, such as Wal-Mart and Target. Costco compete with its competitors for customers, qualified employees and management personnel, suitable sites and suppliers. The retail business is extremely competitive and continues to get even more completive. Such events as the evolution of retailing in online channels has improved the ability of customers to compare prices and products and as a result enhanced competition. Any significant increases of competition may adversely affect Costco’s financial performance, and make Costco incapable to compete successfully in the future.

What is Costco’s business model? Is the company’s business model appealing? Why or why not?

Chief elements of Costco’s strategy were low prices, limited selection, and a treasure-hunt shopping environment. The ultra-low pricing strategy includes a mark-up capped at 14% and Kirkland, a Costco brand designed to be of equal or better quality than national brands. Product Selection is limited to 4,000 items within a wide variety of categories. Costco does however include ancillary businesses to increase member alternatives. The loss of sales from customers who refuse to purchase large amounts is considered “Intelligent loss of sales.” Treasure-Hunt Merchandising consists of a constantly changing selection of 1,000 luxury items on the floor enticing shoppers to spend more than

The most noticeable growth in this section is seen in sales from 2002 to 2003. These sales have increased from 3.7% in 2001-02 to 23.5% in 2002-03 after the expansion of the store. This truly helps the company to a positive way when seeing such drastic changes. Net earnings have almost doubled and gross profit was on the rise as well, which is also a positive trend for the company that will not go unnoticed. This indicates a positive correlation and increases in profitability.

Costco Sale is one of the big box retail companies with the capabilities to render value to the customers and employees in North America and the rest of the world. Costco Wholesale has the potential of solid balance sheet, and with the strength of generating cash flow, in order to carry out its operations, i.e. over $900 million was returned to shareholders in the form of

Imagine a store that never advertises, has no signs in its aisles, doesn’t bag what you purchase, and charges you a fee just to walk in the door; Costco Wholesale is that shop. The purpose of this report is to illustrate how Costco as a multinational corporation strategically manages its marketing operation across global markets. For research purpose, this report will be focused on Costco wholesale in Japan and USA.

What is Costco’s business model? Is the company’s business model appealing? Why or why not?

Small businesses are Costco’s secondary target market. This is the position that has been shifted down in order to accommodate more customers; initially, Costco only offered its services to small businesses hence the name “Wholesale”. Small businesses shop at Costco using their executive membership, which offers up to $700 money back annually in addition to already low prices on the products

Potential new entrants into the market are a low threat for Costco. We have the advantage of economies of scale and having learned by doing. Our economies of scale come from better management coordination of processes, long term relationships with our suppliers, and enhanced employee performance with low turnover (Pearce et al., p. 100). The cost for a new entrant would be significant given the capital investment required to start up a warehouse business. Any

It’s a very appealing business model because what it does for Costco is it enables them to secure vendor purchasing power in volume. With their large warehouse facilities this enables them to distribute products on their floors efficiently while being able to store any leftover in house. This increases the availability of turnover. Also, with their large warehouses and lack of design beyond what’s necessity, it enables them to provide customer service without over investing in design.

Profit growth has on average exceeded stated goals from 1997-2003, averaging on 33 %. Transaction value, an indicator of the activity level, has grown notably less than profits (207 % vs. 289 % over six years), indicating profitable growth. This contrasts with the general squeeze on profitability and growth for the industry. International operations have not performed well. Transaction value has grown more than 50 % from 2001-2003, while profits have declined 65 %.

At the end of 2012, Costco was a successful business, but there are some issues that they would need to deal with. These issues mainly arise from their previous successful ventures as a warehouse wholesale company. The first issue is that Costco has competitors that can actually be and are a threat to their success. Competition allows a company to improve itself and prove its prowess to its customers. However, when a competitor is able to provide the service at a much reduced cost, problems will arise. As for the second issue, it seems that Costco’s efforts to become an international company are moving slowly. They have not reached a point where their US and Canadian warehouses provide a backbone for their finances. Costco’s third issue is that their finances are too reliant on acquiring new members and not on selling their products. If they cannot keep acquiring new members at a steady rate, their financial infrastructure could suffer.