Core Insights - Costco has become one of the most popular membership-based retailers in Canada, with 108 warehouses serving over 11 million members, indicating strong consumer loyalty and a favorable market position [1] - The per capita number of Costco stores in Canada is nearly double that of the U.S., and Canadian Costco stores are more profitable in terms of overall operating income [1] Membership Structure - Costco offers three membership tiers: Gold Star Membership, Business Membership, and Executive Membership, each with different benefits and pricing [2][4][5][7] - Gold Star Membership costs CAD 65 annually and is suitable for individuals who frequently purchase in bulk for household needs [4] - Business Membership also costs CAD 65 annually and is designed for individuals or companies that need to purchase goods for resale, offering additional benefits like free supplementary cards [5] - Executive Membership costs CAD 130 annually and includes a 2% cash back on eligible purchases, making it ideal for consumers who spend over CAD 3,000 annually [7] Additional Member Benefits - Costco members enjoy various additional services, including online shopping, travel services, gas stations with competitive pricing, pharmacies, and optical services [9][10][11][12][13] - Members can save on essential items like tires, gas, movie tickets, and wine, which can help offset the membership fee [17] Value Assessment - The value of Costco membership depends on shopping habits and annual spending; frequent shoppers can recoup membership costs through savings [14][20] - For those who spend at least CAD 3,000 annually, the Executive Membership can provide significant returns through cash back [20] - Consumers who do not prefer bulk purchasing or have limited storage may find Costco membership less beneficial [15]