Where Is The Smallest Costco In The World Located?
Located on four out of seven continents (per KTOO), Costco isn't just a grocery store like any other. If you've ever spoken to someone with a Costco membership, you might notice how much people love it — like, really love it.
"Some of their customer base is absolutely addicted to Costco — absolutely addicted to the experience and the brands and the thrill of going to Costco," Patricia Hong of consulting firm A.T. Kearney told CNBC in 2019. At the time of writing, 94 million people around the world have a Costco membership, which costs $60 for household and business and $120 for an executive membership. And 90% of U.S. shoppers renew their memberships, according to CNBC.
According to Leads Deposit, Costco stores are in 46 U.S. states, as well as in Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. There's one place, however, where you won't find the massive store you might be used to.
It's almost half the size of average stores
Costco stores are known for being larger-than-life, with the average store equaling 146,000 square feet (per Cheapism). When compared to Sam's Club, the typical store is bigger by 10%. The sheer size of the warehouses is something loyal customers tend to notice. "I love shopping at Costco because I get in a full exercise session with each visit. Costco warehouses are huge, and I love taking my time to browse when grocery shopping," customer Glen W. said to Eat This, Not That!.
But the same can't be said for the store in Juneau, Alaska (per KTOO). When Costco assistant vice president Kevin Green was asked if it's the smallest in the world, he replied, "As far as I can tell, that is true, yes." To follow up the question, he was asked if he had any doubt in his mind, he said, "No. Absolutely not." Green revealed that the company was wary regarding if such a small store would be fit, but in the end it prevailed due to its location. Per Cheapism, the warehouse measures in at 80,000 square feet.
According to World Population Review, Juneau's population is 32,451. The city is approximately 3,255 miles long, with a population of 12 people per square mile. So while the rest of the country may find this Costco location on the smaller side, it sounds about right for Juneau.