Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale United Kingdom operates about two dozen members-only warehouse clubs in England and Scotland. The firm is owned by the #1 US wholesale club operator Costco Wholesale, which has been gradually adding stores. The big-box stores sell appliances, consumer electronics, health and beauty products, groceries, and more. Membership fees are similar to those in the US. The company has been able to grow faster than competitors such as Wal-Mart-owned ASDA and Britain's #1 retailer Tesco because its status as a warehouse-club chain exempts it from zoning rules other retailers face when opening new stores. The UK unit ultimately aims to grow to 40 stores and is exploring entering the Irish market.