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At first, a question like “does walmart own costco?” might sound dumb since both companies operate separately and independently. However, there is some truth to this rumor and I am about to spill the tea on that!
Walmart does not own or affiliate with Costco. The two retail giants have a complicated relationship, but they are both independently owned and operated. Walmart and Costco do have a mutually beneficial relationship. Furthermore, they buy items from each other and even offer discounts to customers who shop at both stores.
Does Walmart Own Costco?
No, Walmart does not own Costco. While Walmart and Costco do have a connection, they are not actually owned by the same company. In 2017, Walmart sold its entire stake in Costco and the two companies are now completely independent of each other.
Before 2017, Walmart did own a portion of Costco. In 1985, when Walmart first opened its doors, it purchased a 20% stake in the wholesale warehouse chain. This partnership lasted until 1993 when Walmart sold its shares back to Costco and terminated the agreement.
What Are Costco’s Main Competitors?
Today, Costco’s main competitors are Amazon, Sam’s Club (owned by Walmart), and BJ’s. While all of these companies offer a wide variety of goods and services, Costco is known for its low-priced bulk items. In addition, Costco also offers exclusive deals on items that aren’t available anywhere else. Moreover, this makes it a popular destination for shoppers looking to save money on their purchases.
Are They Owned By the Same Company?
While Walmart and Costco may have had a brief connection in the past, they are now completely independent of one another. Costco is a publicly traded company and its main competitors are Amazon, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. For shoppers looking for unbeatable deals on bulk items, Costco is the best place to go.
Which Companies Does Walmart Own?
While Walmart does not own Costco, they do have a number of subsidiaries and brands under its umbrella. Here is the list of Some companies which are Walmart owns:
- Jet.com
- Sam’s Club
- Vudu
- ModCloth
- Moosejaw
- Hayneedle
- Bonobos
- Shoes.com
- Bare Necessities
For shoppers looking to save money on their purchases, Walmart is the place to go. With its subsidiaries and wide selection of brands, Walmart offers unbeatable deals on a variety of products.
Before Walmart sold its stake in Costco, the two companies collaborated on a business venture called “Costco Home”.
Which Companies Does Costco Own?
Costco is a publicly traded company and does not own any other companies or brands. However, it does have several partnerships the list is following:
- American Express
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Starbucks
- Microsoft
- AT&T
- Kohl’s
- Verizon
- Google Express
Costco is known for its low-priced bulk items and exclusive deals that are not available anywhere else.
The Differences Between Walmart’s and Sam’s Club and Costco
Though Walmart and Costco both offer great deals on bulk items, there are some key differences between the two. Walmart’s Sam’s Club is a warehouse club that offers memberships to customers in order to access exclusive deals. The main difference between them are listed below.
| Walmart | Sam’s Club | Costco |
| 1) Does not require a membership2) Offers lower prices than Sam’s Club3) Does not offer exclusive deals | 1) Requires a paid annual membership2) Offers lower prices than Walmart3) Does not offer exclusive deals | 1) Does not require a membership, but encourages memberships for additional savings 2) Offers the lowest prices out of all three stores 3) Does offer exclusive deals and discounts |
Are Walmart or Costco Owned by Amazon?
No, Walmart and Costco are not owned by Amazon. As mentioned previously, Walmart sold its stake in Costco in 2017 and the two companies are now completely independent. Amazon does have a number of subsidiaries and brands, but neither are included in this list.
Is BJ’s Wholesale Owned By Walmart?
No, BJ’s Wholesale Club is not currently owned by Walmart. Though the two companies do have a partnership, BJ’s is an independent company that is publicly traded. BJ’s Wholesale is a warehouse club that offers memberships to access exclusive deals and discounts.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart does not own Costco. While they may have been briefly connected in the past, the two companies are now completely independent of one another.
- With its exclusive deals and discounts, it is no wonder why so many people flock to Costco.
- Walmart, on the other hand, offers a wide selection of brands and subsidiaries and is great for shoppers looking for lower prices on their purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the parent company of Costco?
Costco is an independent company that is publicly traded. It does not have a parent or affiliated company.
Does Walmart own Sam’s Club?
Yes, Walmart is the owner of Sam’s Club. It is a warehouse club that offers memberships to customers in order to access exclusive deals.
Does Walmart own BJ’s Wholesale?
No, Walmart does not currently own BJ’s Wholesale Club. Though the two companies do have a partnership, BJ’s is an independent company that is publicly traded.
