Introduction
When most people think of Costco, they imagine a large -scale warehouse store with samples around each corner, oversee shopping cars and tackles everything from electronics to rotisary chickens. However, many Costco is unaware of the Business Center-A Special Division of the Costco, which specifically completes business customers and high-knocked shop owners.
If you are the owner of a restaurant, construction store operator, office manager or just a person who likes to shop in bulk, the CostCo Business Center can be a game switch. In this broad guide, we will find out everything needed to learn about the Costco business centers, how they differ from regular Costco warehouse, which will act there, and how to get the most value from your membership.
What is the Costco Business Center?
Unlike regular Costco locations, Business Centers emphasize bulk quantities of food, beverages, restaurant supplies, cleaning products, office goods, and even industrial kitchen equipment. These centers often open earlier than standard Costco warehouses and feature a streamlined shopping experience focused on efficiency and volume.
Key Differences Between Costco and Costco Business Center
| Feature | Costco Warehouse | Costco Business Center |
| Target Audience | General public | Businesses & bulk buyers |
| Inventory | Household goods, groceries, electronics | Foodservice, office, cleaning & vending products |
| Product Quantity | Family-size packs | Commercial & bulk sizes |
| Store Layout | Large and general | Efficient and no-clutter |
| Hours | Open later in the morning | Opens as early as 7:00 AM |
| Services | Tire center, pharmacy, optical | No tire or pharmacy services |
| Online Orders | Delivery via Costco.com | Separate portal for Business Center delivery |
Business Centers carry only about 30% of the products you’d find in a regular warehouse store, but they stock thousands of items you won’t find elsewhere — especially in bulk foodservice and office categories.
Who Should Shop at a Costco Business Center?
While any Costco member can shop at a Business Center, it’s especially beneficial for:
1. Restaurant Owners & Caterers
Access to commercial-size packaging, industrial kitchen tools, and ingredients like large bags of flour, cooking oils, and spices makes these centers ideal for the food service industry.
2. Convenience Stores & Vending Machine Operators
Stock up on candy bars, snack bags, bottled drinks, and single-serve items — often in case quantities — ideal for resellers.
3. Offices & Corporations
From paper reams to breakroom snacks, business centers help offices stay stocked up while controlling supply costs.
4. Event Planners & Nonprofits
Buy large volumes of disposable tableware, beverages, and snacks for fundraisers, events, and public gatherings.
5. Bulk Shoppers & Large Families
Even if you’re not running a business, you might appreciate access to hard-to-find bulk items, like 50-lb bags of rice or cartons of cleaning wipes.
Top Product Categories at Costco Business Center
Here are some of the top-selling and most useful product categories you’ll find at a Costco Business Center:
1. Restaurant Supplies
- Disposable gloves, aprons, foil rolls
- To-go containers, cups, napkins
- Commercial cookware and utensils
2. Food & Beverages
- Commercial-size meat, dairy, and produce
- Bulk spices, sauces, and oils
- Bottled drinks and case snacks
3. Cleaning Supplies
- Disinfectants and sanitizers
- Paper towels and toilet paper in commercial quantities
- Trash liners and cleaning equipment
4. Office Products
- Bulk printer paper, pens, sticky notes
- Coffee, tea, and breakroom supplies
5. Vending Products
- Single-serve chips, candy bars, cookies
- Energy drinks, soda cans, and water bottles
Online Ordering & Delivery
A great advantage of the Costco Business Center is online orders and local distribution. Unlike regular Costco delivery, which often depends on the third-party carrier, the delivery of the business center is handled in selected areas of its own trucks of Costco, ensuring better control and speed.
How it works:
- Choose your delivery zip code to see available inventory
- Add items to your cart
- Select delivery window (often next-day delivery available)
Pro Tip: Delivery minimums vary by location, and certain perishable or frozen items may not be eligible.
Locations of Costco Business Centers
There are only about 20 Costco Business Center locations in the United States (as of 2025), making them a bit of a hidden gem. Major locations include:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Hayward, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Dallas, TX
- Miniapolis, mn
- Las Vegas, NV
- Atlanta, Ga
- Orlando, fl
- Hachesac, NJ
Before planning a trip, it is best to check the availability and inventory online, as not all areas are equally served.best to check availability and inventory online, as not all regions are served equally.
Tips to maximize the Costco Business Center experience
Here’s how to make the most of your shopping trip or delivery:
1. Visit Early
Stores often open at 7:00 AM and are less crowded in the early morning hours — great for business owners who want to shop before work.
2. Use the Business Center Website
The dedicated site shows real-time product availability, something not offered by regular Costco.com for business items.
3. Buy in Case Quantities
Products are often cheaper per unit when bought in full cases rather than individually.
4. Split Costs with Others
If quantities are too large, consider shopping with another business or family member and split the goods (and cost).
5. Track Prices
Prices may differ slightly from traditional Costco stores. Track high-volume items for any changes and adjust your buying strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a Business Membership?
Surprisingly, no. Any Costco member — personal or business — can shop at a Business Center. However, if you own a business, signing up for a Business Membership can provide:
- Access to additional tax benefits
- Custom invoicing
- Purchase tracking for accounting purposes
A Business Membership costs the same as a regular membership: $60/year for the basic tier and $120/year for Executive Membership (which earns 2% back annually on most purchases).
Pros and Cons of Costco Business Centers
✅ Pros:
- Focused selection for business needs
- Early hours and quicker checkout
- Unique bulk items not in regular warehouses
- Online delivery for many metro areas
- Great for offices, restaurants, and resellers
❌ Cons:
- Fewer locations nationwide
- No bakery, clothing, pharmacy, or tire services
- Requires more storage space at your business/home
- Not suitable for shoppers looking for variety or impulse buys
Final Thoughts
The Costco Business Center is a lesser-known but incredibly powerful resource for anyone who values bulk savings, especially small businesses, large families, and side hustlers. Whether you’re managing an office, operating a food truck, or just trying to stretch your dollar further, these centers offer everything you need — from foodservice gear to vending snacks — all under one efficient roof.
With unique products, faster shopping, and delivery services, the Business Center helps streamline your operations and your budget. If you are already a Costco member and live near a business center site, it is worth seeing – you can find a smart way to shop for your business or home.
