Introduction
Imagine walking into a warehouse that’s like a regular Costco but packed with even more exciting products, especially for businesses and those who love to buy in bulk. That’s exactly what you get at a Costco Business Center. These special warehouses are open to all Costco members, not just businesses, and they offer a wide range of unique products that you won’t find in your typical Costco store. From commercial kitchen appliances to bulk snacks and beverages, Costco Business Centers are a treasure trove for anyone looking to save money while stocking up on essentials. Whether you’re a small business owner, planning a big event, or just want to stock up on exclusive items, these centers are worth exploring.
What is a Costco Business Center?
A Costco Business Center is a warehouse primarily designed for small businesses, restaurants, and other enterprises, but it’s open to all Costco members. Unlike regular Costco warehouses, which focus on consumer goods like clothing and electronics, these centers emphasize products that cater to business needs.More than 70% of the items available at a Costco Business Center are different from those found in standard Costco locations. This means you’ll discover a variety of products tailored for commercial use, such as large quantities of food, office supplies, and catering essentials. Some locations may include food courts or gas stations, but the main focus is on providing practical, bulk solutions for businesses and savvy shoppers. The first Costco Business Center opened in Las Vegas in 2009, and they’ve been growing ever since.
Services and Products Offered
At Costco Business Centers, you’ll find a diverse selection of products perfect for both business and personal use. The product range is designed to meet the needs of businesses while also appealing to individual members looking for bulk purchases.Here’s a detailed look at what you can find:
- Commercial Appliances: High-quality kitchen equipment like Vitamix blenders, often at lower prices than other retailers. For example, a Vitamix E320 Blender costs $274.99 at a Costco Business Center, compared to $388 on Amazon, saving over $100 (https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com).
- Bulk Food and Beverages: Larger quantities of groceries, including cases of oranges, additional flavors of coffee creamer, and a wider variety of beverages like sodas, waters, and juices.
- Office Supplies: Essentials like calendars, pens, printers, paper, and even office furniture, ideal for small businesses.
- Catering Essentials: Disposable roasting pans, serving trays, napkins, and paper plates, perfect for large events like weddings or corporate gatherings.
- Cleaning Supplies: Bulk janitorial products, from disinfectants to paper towels, and equipment like mops and buckets.
- Individually Packaged Snacks: Great for events, office break rooms, or portion control.
- Expanded Meat and Cheese Selection: Larger cuts of meat and cheese blocks, often at better prices than other stores, ideal for restaurants or large family gatherings.
- Vending Supplies: Machines and supplies for setting up vending areas in businesses.
These products make Costco Business Centers an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy in bulk, whether for a business, a large family, or a special event.
Benefits of Shopping at a Costco Business Center
Shopping at a Costco Business Center offers several distinct advantages that make it stand out from regular Costco warehouses:
- Earlier Opening Hours: Most Costco Business Centers open at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, compared to 10 a.m. for regular warehouses, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. Some locations, like Iwilei, Hawaii, have slightly different hours (9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday–Sunday).
- Exclusive Products: With over 70% of items unique to these centers, you’ll find products like commercial appliances, individually packaged snacks, and an expanded beverage selection not available at standard Costco locations.
- Bulk Delivery Services: Businesses can have all items, including fresh and frozen products, delivered directly to their location. There’s a $25 delivery fee for orders under $250, but no minimum order is required, making it a convenient option (https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com).
- Savings Events: Regular Savings Events offer discounts on various products, with savings automatically applied at checkout. You can preview these savings online two weeks before the event to plan your shopping (https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/savingsevent.html).
- Ideal for Large Events: If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or family reunion, Costco Business Centers have everything you need, from catering supplies to bulk food items, all at competitive prices.
- Cost Savings: The centers offer significant savings on bulk items, such as chocolates, candy, and single-flavor packs of gum and mints, making them cost-effective for businesses and individuals alike.
These benefits make Costco Business Centers not only practical but also potentially more cost-effective than shopping at regular Costco warehouses or other retailers.
Locations and Accessibility
As of January 2025, there are 27 Costco Business Centers across the United States, with locations in states like Alaska (Anchorage), Arizona (Phoenix), California (Burbank, Commerce, Hawthorne, Hayward, Ontario, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, San Marcos, South San Francisco, Westminster), Florida (Orlando), Georgia (Morrow), Illinois (Bedford Park), Michigan (Southfield), Minnesota (Minneapolis), Missouri (St. John), Nevada (Las Vegas), New Jersey (Hackensack), Texas (Dallas, Stafford), Washington (Lynnwood, Fife), Colorado (Denver), and Hawaii (Iwilei). A new location in Salt Lake City is planned to open soon. California has the most centers, making it easier for residents to access these warehouses. You can find the nearest Costco Business Center by visiting the warehouse locator on their website (https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/WarehouseListByStateDisplayView). Visiting one is worth it, especially if you’re planning a big purchase or live near a center.
| State | Locations |
| Alaska | Anchorage |
| Arizona | Phoenix |
| California | Burbank, Commerce, Hawthorne, Hayward, Ontario, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, San Marcos, South San Francisco, Westminster |
| Colorado | Denver |
| Florida | Orlando |
| Georgia | Morrow |
| Hawaii | Iwilei |
| Illinois | Bedford Park |
| Michigan | Southfield |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis |
| Missouri | St. John |
| Nevada | Las Vegas |
| New Jersey | Hackensack |
| Texas | Dallas, Stafford |
| Washington | Lynnwood, Fife |
Why You Should Visit a Costco Business Center
Visiting a Costco Business Center can be a game-changer for many shoppers. Here’s why you should consider making the trip:
- Value for Money: With exclusive products and regular savings events, you can find great deals on items that are hard to find elsewhere, such as commercial-grade appliances and bulk snacks.
- Convenience: Earlier opening hours and bulk delivery options make shopping more convenient, especially for businesses or those planning large events.
- Exclusive Items: Discover products that aren’t available at your local Costco, giving you access to a wider range of goods, from catering supplies to office essentials.
- No Extra Cost: As a Costco member, you can shop at Costco Business Centers without any additional membership fees, making it accessible to everyone with a standard membership.
- Perfect for Specific Needs: Whether you’re a small business owner, an event planner, or someone who loves to stock up on bulk items, these centers have something for everyone.
Customer testimonials highlight the practical advantages: “As a small business owner, I love shopping at the Costco Business Center because I can get all my office supplies and catering needs in one place, and the prices are unbeatable,” says Jane D., a restaurant owner. “The meat selection is fantastic. I bought a huge pack of chicken breasts that lasted weeks, and it was cheaper than smaller packs elsewhere,” notes Sarah L., a home cook.
FAQs
Who can shop at a Costco Business Center?
Any Costco member can shop at a Costco Business Center. No special membership is needed—just show your regular Costco membership card.
How does a Costco Business Center differ from a regular Costco warehouse?
While both are warehouses, Costco Business Centers focus on business products, with over 70% unique items compared to regular locations. They also have earlier opening hours and cater more to bulk business needs.
Are there membership requirements for Costco Business Centers?
No, your standard Costco membership allows you to shop at any Costco Business Center.
What exclusive products can I find only at Costco Business Centers?
Exclusive products include commercial appliances, bulk food and beverages, office supplies, catering essentials, and a wider variety of individually packaged snacks and meats.
How can I locate the nearest Costco Business Center?
Use the warehouse locator on the Costco Business Delivery website (https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com).
Conclusion
Costco Business Centers are a hidden gem within the Costco family, offering a unique shopping experience that’s beneficial for both businesses and individual members. With their extensive range of exclusive products, early opening hours, and convenient services like bulk delivery, they provide an excellent opportunity to save money and find items not available elsewhere. Whether you’re a small business owner, planning a large event, or just looking for great deals on bulk items, a visit to your nearest Costco Business Center is sure to be worthwhile. Check out the warehouse locator online and plan your trip to explore this bulk shopping wonderland.