Right from the start, the first Costco warehouse attracted crowds of customers for its selection and deals
Here’s What Costco Looked Like When It First Opened
Updated on Jul. 10, 2025
Read all about it!
Each Costco store stocks 4,000 different items for its customers to shop. The average supermarket stocks about 30,000 items. Although customers might be a little overwhelmed by the size of some items on the Costco shelves, they know they’re buying trustworthy items every time they head into the warehouse.
Annual fees
Business customers could choose a Wholesale card, which cost the member $25, or a Group Gold card for regular customers, which cost $30. Their store brand, Kirkland Signature, has also seen great success and garnered loyal customers over the years.
Membership fees
Since its opening in 1983, Costco’s membership options have changed. Today, a basic membership is $60 annually, and an executive membership is $120.
The entrance
The front end of the first Costco location looked similar to a Costco entrance today. Garage doors opened to let in large crowds of customers.
Busy, busy
Right from the start, the store drew in customers. This photo from 1983 looks similar to what a busy Saturday looks like today.
Star employees
Costco employees are always happy to keep their stores clean and their customers happy, because in turn, the company takes good care of them. Costco offers competitive wages and good benefits, and the company has created a positive work environment.
Keeping it clean
Every member of the Costco team works hard to make sure every customer has the best shopping experience possible. Ensuring that the warehouse floor is stocked and organized is just one aspect of that.
Always growing and improving
New Costco locations are constantly popping up around the world and attracting new customers. If you’ve ever shopped at the warehouse store, you might know about these things you should be buying at Costco. Then there are the free samples and $1.50 hot-dog-and-soda combos that keep people coming back.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
