For many shoppers, a trip to Costco starts with a simple question. “Is there a Kirkland version?”
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Over the past three decades, the warehouse club giant has transformed Kirkland Signature from a low-cost private label into one of retail’s most trusted brands.
Today, shoppers often choose Kirkland products over national brands not only because they tend to be cheaper, but because they believe they’re getting comparable or better quality at a lower price.
But Costco isn’t just winging it when it comes to the company’s signature brand.
Costco has created a private-label ecosystem built on three pillars:
It’s a combination that elevated Costco’s Kirkland brand and led to strong member retention.
One of Costco’s biggest competitive advantages is its willingness to cut prices when costs come down, rather than holding on to higher profit margins.
During its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, CEO Ron Vachris made the company’s position clear.
“Our goal is to be the first to lower prices and last to raise them,” he said.
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That philosophy matters to consumers, particularly after several years of inflation.
Many retailers have faced criticism for maintaining elevated prices even as supply chain costs eased. Costco, in contrast, is signaling that savings should flow back to members whenever possible.
The strategy also reinforces one of the biggest reasons shoppers pay Costco’s annual membership fee in the first place.
Members expect bargains, and visible price reductions on popular Kirkland products strengthen the perception that Costco is working on their behalf instead of simply padding its bottom line.
Pricing alone doesn’t explain Kirkland’s success. Costco continues to expand the brand into new categories, keeping shoppers excited to visit the store.
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During the most recent quarter, Costco introduced a number of new Kirkland Signature products, including energy drinks, ultra-filtered milk, and sea salt popcorn.
“We are also able to bring greater value to our members through many exciting new Signature items,” Vachris said on the most recent earnings call.
That steady pipeline of new products creates a sense of discovery that fits naturally with Costco’s treasure-hunt shopping experience. Members often visit warehouses without a detailed shopping list, making them more likely to notice and sample new Kirkland offerings.
Many retailers use their store brands to undercut the competition. But Costco has taken that concept a step further by turning Kirkland into a desirable brand that’s synonymous with both quality and newness.
“Costco works hard to ensure that the manufacturers meet high quality standards for their Kirkland brand,” retail expert Mark Ryski told RetailWire. “Quality products further build the trust as it extends across categories.”
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Costco’s recent numbers show how integral the Kirkland brand is to its success.
During its most recent quarter, the company reported close to $69.2 billion in net sales. That marks an 11.6% year-over-year increase, which is significant, given that many consumers have been reducing their spending this year due to inflation.
Costco also boasted a 92.2% membership renewal rate across the U.S. and Canada, and 89.7% worldwide.
By lowering prices when possible, continually refreshing its Kirkland lineup, and maintaining a reputation for dependable quality, Costco has built more than a successful private label. It’s created a brand that members trust as much as the Costco name itself.
That’s something few retailers have managed to replicate.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 4:03 AM.