At Costco, the number of visitors exceeds pre-pandemic levels

In recent months, customers have returned to warehouse clubs at levels above pre-pandemic levels and Costco has shown overwhelming strength in terms of market share, a new report reveals.

According to the data, Walmart affiliated Sam's club is 36.2% and Bj's wholesaler is 8.3%, while Costco reported that 55.5% of wholesale customers came through the door in the 8th month.

"Visits to Costco are growing steadily compared to 2019, with visits in months 6, 7 and 8 up 2%, 9.8%, 13.8% and 12.8% compared to comparable months 2 years ago," Placer.ai reported.

The company adds that the incredible increase in visitors is a strong indication that the brand has not only managed to have relative strength during a pandemic, but has also turned its short-term strength into the basis for long-term success. Given the rigidity of Costco's membership model and the sustained strength seen before the pandemic, there is reason to believe that Costco will be even stronger in the years to come.

However, 3 wholesale clubs also increased by 2019. The number of visitors in 8 months increased by 2% at Sam's Club and by 15.4% at BJ compared to a year ago. In the 7th month, Costco was 13.8%, Sam's Club 18.1% and BJ 17.1%.

Meanwhile, as COVID-19 continues to survive and Delta type continues to rise, Costco has resumed restrictions on purchases of certain products, such as paper and water products, and reversed its decision to cancel senior purchasing programs due to concerns about the virus.