
According to Bloomberg, the holiday season didn’t go well for Costco. The company’s earnings went up $1.17 per share, significantly lower than the projected $1.36 increase. Alcohol sales are the only thing that saved Costco last quarter and it seems sales are continuing to climb.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Alcohol
So, what’s the big deal? What is so special about Costco alcohol that makes consumers spend billions of dollars on it over the span of a year?
Since Costco started selling wine (2003) and liquor (2007), alcohol buyers at Costco have become a bit cultish (not buying booze anywhere else). This isn’t that surprising to Costco analysts though. There are two things they know about Costco shoppers: they are loyal and they like to buy things in bulk. The latter fact means a lot when it comes to alcohol sales.
The company has been smart in the way it displays its alcohol as well. Costco has 250 alcohol items across three beverage categories and the company is choosy when it comes to what is on the shelves. It rotates the alcoholic beverages on the shelves for a limited time, making people buy more while supplies last.

Costco Alcohol’s Quality
Well, people spend plenty of money on alcohol anyway but, according to Costco members, the quality is the selling point. Although producers of the Kirkland Signature alcohol products keep production a secret, many people claim that companies behind the alcohol are big names, like Grey Goose, with Costco labels on them.
David Schick, lead retail analyst at Consumer Edge Research, said that the quality of Costco alcohol is what helps sales. “They use very high-end producers — premium all the way up to super-premium and beyond,” he said, and that keeps customers coming back for more.
Costco Wine
Costco customers aren’t just gunning for Costco alcohol either. In fact, Costco wine accounts for half of Costco’s alcohol sales. People love Costco wine and, like their Kirkland Signature alcohol, they buy it in bulk. Read the Costco Guide to Wine to learn more about the best wines Costco has to offer.
Costco Alcohol Has a Low Markup
Another thing keeping customers coming back for more is the low markup Costco is able to provide. Costco’s alcohol markup is only 10 to 14 percent, much lower than liquor store’s 25 to 45 percent markup. Other companies selling private label alcohol simply are not able to match Costco’s low markup prices.
Private labeling, like what Costco is doing, is becoming a popular way for companies to increase sales. “Private label continues to grow as a dominant strategy in retail — especially when it migrates from being a ‘label’ to more of a ‘brand,’ which Kirkland has done,” said David Bassuk, managing director at consulting firm AlixPartners. “Now it’s a well-known name and gives the consumer a perception of value and a good deal.”
Due to individual state liquor laws, Costco is currently able to sell beer and wine in 80 percent of its stores (liquor in 60 percent). One of Costco’s main competitors, Walmart, also sells wine and spirits but not at the level Costco does. In fact, among retailers, Costco is likely the leader in liquor sales.
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Photos: Reddit and MN Traveler