Costco is a giant warehouse and one of the largest retailers in the world. It is known for selling items in bulk to potentially deliver savings in the long-run.
Visiting Costco can feel like a day out if shopping is your bag. Costco is filled with aisle upon aisle of things you didn’t realise you needed in your life. This means if you pop into Costco for the one item, chances are you will leave with a trolley full.
The warehouse retailer is only open to members. Self-employed business owners and managers can access a CostCo trade membership, however, individuals who are employed can also become members through the individual membership scheme.
Read more: Asda, Costco and Sainsbury's: Cheapest petrol prices
What is Costco?
A quick flick through this month’s Costco Connection, the warehouse’s magazine for members, shows they have special deals on pearl sugar waffles, a nifty beverage cart, a tent, MacBook Pro and Japanese whisky. If this list seems somewhat random, this is because it is.
One of Costco’s appeals is its retail strategy, where it sells a diverse range of products under one roof. Items in-store include hot rotisserie chicken, sushi platters, vitamins, patio furniture, office chairs and giant teddy bears that would give the BFG a run for its money.
However, the stores are for members-only and shoppers must qualify for membership to gain access to the bargains. You have to be employed in, or retired from, particular fields in order to gain entry to one of the most popular VIP shopping clubs in the world.
Owing to the specific guidelines set out by Costco, not everyone can become a member. Here is the list of job roles that you need to qualify for Costco Individual Membership.
Full list of qualifying employment groups to gain you entry to Costco
- Banking / Finance
- Local government
- Fire / rescue service
- Post Office
- Airlines
- Education
- Police Force
- Civil service / Armed Forces
- Medical / health service
- Insurance
- Qualified or certified chartered accountant
- Chartered architect
- Doctors (MD) / dentist / optician / pharmacist
- Chartered surveyor
- Solicitor / barrister / magistrate / advocate
- Chartered engineer / civil engineer
The individual membership scheme is also open to employees of 'UK Gold companies. Would-be shoppers can check if their company is registered with Costco by emailing warehousememberservices@costco.co.uk.
How much does Costco membership cost?
There is an annual membership fee with various levels to choose from. Individual membership costs £33.60 including VAT.
Don’t worry if you don’t qualify. You can still do a one-off online shop, but a 5% surcharge plus VAT will be added to the final bill. Non-members can also pay a yearly fee of £15 including VAT to access the online shop.
