If you’re a Costco member, you might have seen the Costco Business Center from time to time as you’ve done your shopping. If you’ve heard of the Costco Business Center, but are wondering what it is, you’re in the right place.
And when you’re shopping for your favorite Costco products, it’s important to keep product protection in mind. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you’ll get coverage for all your Costco purchases and more under the same product protection plan. For just $9.99 a month, you’ll have access to unlimited claims, unlimited coverage, and 24/7 customer support, all without any deductibles or hidden fees. Here’s everything you need to know about the Costco Business Center:
Contents
What is Costco Business Center
Costco offers two types of memberships: a personal membership and a business membership. To accommodate the needs of businesses, Costco created the Costco Business Center, where membership holders can access unique deals and products that are especially helpful for businesses.
If you are a business with a Costco membership, be sure to take advantage of the benefits that Costco has made available to you.
What Makes a Business Center Different?
While it shares the Costco name and commitment to value, the Business Center experience has some distinct differences:
Product Selection (The BIG One)
This is where the difference truly shines. Roughly 70% of the items stocked in a Business Center are different from what you’ll find in a traditional Costco. Expect to see:
- Mega-Bulk Groceries: Think 5-gallon buckets of soy sauce, enormous jars of condiments, whole pigs or goats in the freezer section, massive cuts of meat, and cases upon cases of produce. The meat selection, in particular, can be quite different, offering primal cuts or bulk options you won’t see in regular warehouses.
- Commercial-Grade Goods: Restaurant equipment (mixers, stainless steel tables), professional kitchen supplies, janitorial supplies in industrial sizes.
- Resale-Ready Items: Huge selections of individually wrapped snacks, candies, gum, and beverages packaged for convenience stores or vending machines.
- Expanded Beverage Aisle: A much wider variety of sodas (including fountain syrups), energy drinks, juices, and bottled water compared to regular warehouses.
- Office Supplies Galore: Pallets of copy paper, bulk pens, office furniture, POS systems, etc.
- What’s Missing? You generally won’t find clothing, books, toys, sporting goods, jewelry, seasonal home decor, a pharmacy, an optical department, or a tire center. Food courts and gas stations are also absent from many Business Center locations.
Store Layout & Atmosphere
Business Centers often feel more like a functional warehouse. They might be slightly smaller than a typical Costco, with wider aisles designed for pallet jacks and business carts. The focus is purely on efficient stocking and shopping, less on the Browse experience. Don’t expect many frills or those delightful free samples.
Operating Hours
Designed to suit business schedules, they typically open earlier and close earlier than regular Costcos. Common hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, though it’s always best to check your local Business Center’s specific hours.
Crowds & Parking
One of the biggest perks for non-business shoppers! Business Centers generally have significantly less foot traffic than regular warehouses. This means easier parking, quicker checkout lines, and a less chaotic shopping experience.
Delivery Focus
While regular Costco offers delivery, Business Centers often have a more robust delivery operation tailored to businesses, sometimes including next-day delivery for orders placed by a certain time and even pallet or truckload options. They also partner with services like Instacart for same-day delivery.
What is the Costco Business Center Savings Event?
The Costco Business Center Savings Event occurs periodically and is an opportunity for membership holders to access special savings. While the event is geared towards businesses, Costco allows all members to shop the event.
The event typically lasts for several weeks, and 70% of items included in the Costco Business Center Savings Event are not part of Costco’s normal inventory. Here are a few examples of what you might find at at Costco Business Center Savings Event:
- Snacks, candy, and other novelty foods.
- Commercial grade appliances.
- Food-service quantities of meat, fruit, and other foods.
- Restaurant goods.
- Office products (exclusively online).
The Costco Business Center Savings Event takes place in the warehouse and online, and sometimes includes extended hours. Check with your local warehouse to find out the details about your Costco’s current savings event and to request a flier with Costco Business Center coupons.
Pros and Cons of Shopping at a Costco Business Center
Pros
- Unique Products: Access items you simply can’t find elsewhere at Costco.
- Extreme Bulk: If you genuinely need massive quantities (catering, large events, big families, serious meal prepping), the value can be excellent.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a much calmer, faster shopping trip.
- Early Hours: Perfect for early birds who want to get shopping done before the rush.
- Potential Deals: Specific categories like beverages, snacks, certain meats, and restaurant supplies can offer great value.
Cons
- Limited Locations: Business Centers are much rarer than regular Costcos (around 27 in the US, plus a few in Canada, compared to hundreds of standard warehouses). Check the Costco website for locations near you.
- Earlier Closing Times: Not ideal for after-work shopping trips.
- Missing Categories: You can’t do a “one-stop-shop” if you need clothes, pharmacy items, or many common household goods.
- Quantity Overload: Those giant sizes might be impractical (and lead to waste) for average households.
- No Food Court/Gas (Usually): You’ll miss out on the $1.50 hot dog combo at most locations.
- Different Sales: Promotions and coupons might differ from the regular warehouse monthly mailer.
Costco Business Center What Products Do They Sell?
This is the most common question people ask on Google.
Here are the top categories:
Food & Grocery (Bulk)
- Fresh produce
- Meat & seafood
- Dairy and eggs
- Frozen foods
- Snacks & beverages
- Bakery items
- Restaurant-sized sauces & spices
For Restaurants & Food Service
- Commercial cookware
- To-go containers
- Food trays
- Chafing fuel
- Napkins & cutlery
- Beverage syrups
- Janitorial supplies
Office & Business Essentials
- Printer paper
- Office supplies
- Breakroom snacks
- Coffee & tea
Cleaning & Janitorial Products
- Industrial cleaners
- Paper towels
- Trash bags (heavy-duty)
- Mops & dispensers
Commercial Equipment
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Restaurant appliances
- Storage shelves
Who Should Visit a Costco Business Center?
- Small Business Owners: The primary audience – restaurants, caterers, office managers, convenience store owners, etc.
- Event Planners/Organizations: Churches, schools, community groups needing bulk food, drinks, and supplies.
- Large Families or Super-Preppers: Anyone who can realistically use and store mega-packs of snacks, drinks, or certain groceries.
- Bargain Hunters (in specific categories): If you drink a lot of soda/energy drinks or pack lots of individual snacks, it’s worth comparing prices.
- The Curious Costco Fan: If you have one nearby, it’s worth visiting at least once just to see the difference.
Is Costco Business Center Worth It?
Yes — especially for:
- Small business owners
- Restaurants, cafés & bakeries
- Retail store owners
- Caterers & event planners
- People who like bulk savings for home use
If you buy products frequently or in large quantities, it’s absolutely worth the membership.
Conclusion
The Costco Business Center is one of the best resources for small businesses looking to save money and streamline purchasing. With early hours, bulk pricing, business-specific products, and faster service, it offers more value than a regular Costco for high-volume buyers. Whether you’re running a restaurant, an office, or just want big savings for home use, the Costco Business Center is a smart choice.
FAQ
Q 1. What is Costco’s business plan?
The Costco business model combines recurring membership revenue, high-volume sales, and strict cost control to drive loyalty and long-term profitability. By understanding these revenue streams and cost levers, you’ll see how Costco makes money and why it has built such a resilient business.
Q 2. What is the difference between Costco and Costco business?
Open to all Costco members, but designed with businesses in mind, Costco Business Center offers the quality and value you expect in a variety of sizes and choices. In fact, more than 60% of items are different from those found at a typical Costco.
Q 3. What is the main business of Costco?
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates an international chain of membership warehouses, mainly under the “Costco Wholesale” name, that carry quality, brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources.
Q 4. What are the benefits of having a Costco business account?
Business Memberships allow you to purchase products for business, personal, and resale use at any Costco Wholesale location worldwide and online at Costco.com. One additional card is also provided for a member of your household at no additional charge.
Q 5. Why is Costco a good business?
When compared to other similar retailers, Costco’s competitive advantage lies in its own private label, its discount prices, and its membership dues. This has provided customers with a product that they can rely on at low prices. It is also the kind of stable business model that investors seek.
Read also
1. Costco Travel: Book Your Vacation Package
2. Costco Car Insurance Reviews: Coverage, Pricing & Is It Worth It?
