Culture and Values
Do the Right Thing
Since our founding, Costco has operated under the guiding principle of doing the right thing – for our members, our employees, our suppliers, our communities and the environment. We believe that when we do the right thing, good things happen.
Respect Our Differences
Intention, involvement and inspiration
We believe that embracing employees’ individual backgrounds, points of view and opinions leads to increased creativity, innovation, satisfaction and a sense of belonging. Celebrating our diversity enriches our culture by connecting us to the communities where we operate, the suppliers we work with and each other.
We flourish from having employees with different views, experiences and ideas.
Ron Vachris, President and CEO
Care for the Environment
Being mindful
We believe that sustainability includes doing the right thing for our members, our employees, our suppliers, our shareholders and our communities while being mindful of our impact on people and the planet. We have an obligation to do our part to care for the environment.
Contribute to Our Communities
Our business is successful not only when we provide quality merchandise at a good value for our members, but also when we contribute to the well-being of the communities where we do business – and where our employees, members and suppliers live and work.
Costco is committed to being active in our local communities. We aim to support them through charitable contributions, volunteer work and low-cost health services in our warehouses.
Learn More (PDF)
Costco is committed to working with qualified minority- and women-owned suppliers in the communities where we do business.
Learn More (PDF)Hear What Our Team Says
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, the support I received from management and my fellow employees was unbelievable. The medical benefits were beyond what I could imagine.”
Chuck, cashierCalifornia
“I'm proud to say that Costco changed my life. I'm from the inner city of Detroit, and because I've worked hard every day, I now have a career. Costco culture is a part of everything in my life.”
Tim, managerMichigan
“Experiencing Costco culture confirms that this is where I belong. I feel accepted and I appreciate Costco's leadership classes; those tools have helped me grow into the supervisor I am now.”
Felicia, supervisorCalifornia
