# 🏬 NOTES - COSTCO Third-largest retailer in the world (after amazon and walmart) Estimated 30% of Americans over the age of 18 holding membership cards Each Costco warehouse carries around 4,000 items Typically, 80% of SKUs are same nationally. Regional buyers handle remaining 20% (typically frozen goods and center aisle high-visibility rotating SKUs). Asterisk on a price sign at a Costco warehouse, that typically means the item will not be replenished once it’s sold out Prices ending in .79 typically have been marked down from regular-priced items, which end in .99. Odd pricing, such as .79, .49, or .89 could indicate items Costco got a deal on from the manufacturer. Prices ending in .88 or .00 typically mean managers have reduced the price to clear out inventory. Seattle is unique because it often serves as testing grounds for Costco buyers due to proximity to HQ [Costco: The Complete History and Strategy](https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/costco) [Kirkland Liquor white labels](https://sporked.com/article/the-distilleries-behind-kirkland-booze/) Costco's profit margin for a Kirkland product is about 15% Kirkland Helles-Style Lager = Dechutes Prinz Crispy