Does Target own Costco? (The Answer Will Surprise You!)

I have spent quite some time exploring the shelves of both Target and Costco. In my opinion, both these stores are perfect for someone who loves good deals. But have you ever questioned if the same business owns these two well-known retailers or does Target own Costco?

Is Costco Under the Ownership of Target? (2023)

No, Target does not own Costco.

Even though Costco is not under the ownership of Target, you might be shocked to hear that the two businesses have some interesting ties. Target and Costco, both have several of the same investors and mutual fund holders, including popular business groups of the market like BlackRock Fund Advisors and The Vanguard Group Inc.

So, despite the fact that the businesses are not formally related, they are included in the same stock holdings. Presently, Target Corporation controls Target, whereas Costco Companies Inc. operates Costco.

Thus, the next time you buy at one of these well-known stores, you may feel secure knowing who is actually working there.

Does the Same Company Own Target and Costco?

No, Target and Costco do not have the same ownership.

You might be shocked to hear that prominent retail stores Target and Costco are not actually purchased by the same corporation. Target’s parent business is Dayton’s, which was once known as Dayton’s Department Store prior to becoming the Target Corporation. 

Meanwhile, American businessmen James D. Sinegal and Jeffrey H. Brotman established Costco. It’s interesting to note that 10 years after Costco’s foundation, it partnered with The Price Company, changing its name to Costco Companies Inc.

Despite having different owners, both Target and Costco have proven to be popular brands and well-liked shopping centers for millions of people. Every shop has certain advantages and techniques that have aided in its ongoing success.

There is no doubt that these two businesses have had a huge influence on the retail industry, whether you prefer the trendy and reasonably priced products offered by Target or the bulk discounts and membership program offered by Costco.

Do Private Companies Own Target and Costco?

No, but Target and Costco both have several mutual stockholders and fund investors.

Though they are not controlled by the same corporation, the two retail groups do have some notable overlaps. Target and Costco are publicly listed firms, so they both allow stockholders to purchase shares. Furthermore, a comparison of the two shows that their stockholders are quite similar.

For instance, a large number of mutual fund investors who are a member of the organizational structure designed to help investments are also shared by Target and Costco. Mutual funds for Target and Costco are held by several investment firms such as the ones mentioned below.

• Vanguard 500 Index Fund
• Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
• Fidelity 500 Index Fund
• Government Pension Fund

However, the connections don’t stop there. The Vanguard Group owns more than 40 million shares of Target and more than 12 billion shares of Costco, ranking among the top 10 owners of both companies.

Similarly, three of the top ten shareholders of both firms are Northern Trust Investments, SSgA Funds Management, and BlackRock Fund Advisors.

So, despite the fact that these two businesses may have different governance, they are both a part of the greater investment sector and have a number of similar stakeholders. No matter if you shop at Target or Costco, it’s interesting to see how these businesses are interconnected in the field of finance and investments.

Does China Own Costco or Not?

No, Costco is not owned by China. It is an American-based company.

You would have heard claims that Costco is owned by China, but let me correct that fact for you. The answer is no, neither in the past nor at the present has China owned Costco. In fact, Costco had been a purely American-based retailer since the 1970s.

But Costco has been entering new markets. Costco established its first store in Shanghai in 2019 and it was a huge success. The opening of a new Costco store in the Chinese market resulted in overwhelming popularity, traffic, and crowding issues. Therefore, the store had to temporarily close. 

Regardless of these difficulties, Costco managed to expand its business in China and has plans to add additional stores in the upcoming years.

Who Owns Costco?

Costco is owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation itself.

You might be curious to know a little more about the company’s background. There has been a previous discussion on does Walmart own Costco or not.

Costco Wholesale Corporation was formed by the merging of Price Club and Costco somewhere in 1976.

Similarly, Costco was established in Seattle, Washington, two years later. These businesses soon gained popularity with customers around the country because they focused on providing high-quality goods at affordable prices.

Costco and Price Club combined in 1993 to establish PriceCostco Inc. During the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, this new company kept on expanding and dominating the retail market.

The name PriceCostco Inc. was finally changed to Costco Wholesale Corporation in 1997. Nowadays, Costco is considered among the most valued stores in the world, due to its amazing deals and premium products. Everyone can find something at Costco, from groceries and home goods to gadgets and clothing, all of which are offered at rates that are difficult to match. 

Does Target Corporation Own Other Companies?

Yes, Target owns several private companies.

Target is well-recognized for its wide range of private-label brands. In fact, Target owns about 50 private label brands which are only offered in its physical stores and online.

Target has three affiliates, namely Target General Merchandise, Target Capital Corporation, and Target Enterprise, and so its business activities extend beyond private label brands. Therefore, it is obvious that Target is much more than simply a store to buy some groceries or a new outfit from its extensive portfolio of brands and subsidiaries. In fact, It is a store with a broad customer range and a grip on what customers want and need.

Target’s private label brands have a broad spectrum, from elegant home furnishings to delicious foods. Among the most popular brands are Project 62, a trendy and innovative home décor company, Market Pantry, which sells a range of tasty and reasonably priced grocery items, and Cat & Jack, a good children’s clothing brand. 

Moreover, Target also owns the brands like Heyday, Good and Gather, and All In Motion.

Does Walmart Own Target?

No, Walmart does not own Target. It’s just a myth!

Target is a popular store in the retail market, but there are still certain myths out there, such as the idea that Target is purchased by Walmart. This claim is incorrect as of 2022.

Target is actually owned by the Target Company, which up until the year 2000 went under the name Dayton-Hudson Corporation. 

The company now operates by its new brand and has more than 1,900 discount retail locations in all 50 states in the United States.

With a long and distinguished history that includes being one of the early pioneers of the large box retail concept, Target is a distinct entity all on its own.

Key Takeaways

• Target and Costco both are owned by different companies.
• The parent business of Target stores is Target Corporation, originally known as Dayton’s. While the parent business of Costco Wholesale is Costco Companies Inc.
• Although these two stores are extremely different, they may have certain things in common, such as a dedication to offering customers high-quality products at competitive prices.