Costco Business Center Guide: Locations, Tips & What to Buy

Costco is known for its bulk goods, competitive prices, and unbeatable deals, and nothing amplifies this more than the Costco Business Center. Built with businesses in mind, these specialized Costco branches provide a unique selection of products and services unavailable at regular warehouses. Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing an office, or simply looking to save on essentials, the Costco Business Center has something for you.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Costco Business Center—from locations to shopping strategies and top items to buy. By the end of this blog, you’ll have everything you need to make the most out of these exclusive warehouses.

What Is a Costco Business Center?

While regular Costco warehouses cater to the everyday shopper, Costco Business Centers are designed primarily for small businesses. With unique offerings tailored to business needs, these locations feature an expanded selection of:

• Bulk-sized products
• Specialty equipment for businesses like restaurants and offices
• A wide array of items focused on convenience and practicality

The result? A shopping experience optimized for businesses but still accessible to savvy consumers looking to save on specific products.

Where Can You Find Costco Business Centers?

Currently, there are over 20 Costco Business Center locations across the United States—though not as widespread as regular Costco warehouses. Some major metropolitan areas hosting these centers include Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Denver, and Miami.

To find a Costco Business Center near you:

1. Visit Costco’s store locator tool on their website.
2. Filter your search by selecting “Business Center” under the warehouse type.
3. Plug in your location or zip code to see the nearest options.

Pro tip: Even if you don’t live near one, it’s worth taking a trip. Many shoppers report the deals and unique product offerings make the trip totally worth it.

Costco Business Center vs. Regular Costco Warehouse

Wondering what sets the two apart? Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Costco Business Center	Regular Costco Warehouse
Target Audience	Primarily business owners and operators	Everyday retail shoppers
Product Selection	More business-focused items, such as restaurant supplies, bulk packaging, and office essentials	Regular groceries, home goods, and clothing
Hours of Operation	Generally opens earlier (e.g., 7 a.m.)	Standard hours (10 a.m. – 8 p.m., varies)
Consumer Goods	Limited household items	Offers a broader selection like apparel and electronics
Food Court	Not typically available	Almost always included

What Can You Buy at the Costco Business Center?

One of the standout benefits of the Business Center is its specialized inventory. While you might not find clothing or electronics, you’ll encounter products designed to support business operations. Here’s a closer breakdown of what you can find:

1. Bulk Staples for Restaurants & Cafes

If you’re running a restaurant, food truck, or catering business, Costco Business Centers are a goldmine. Their food aisle offerings include:

• Fresh Produce (bulk boxes of onions, potatoes, etc.)
• Proteins like large cuts of beef, pork, and chicken in bulk packs.
• Beverages including gallons of juice, soda, coffee syrups, and plain bottled water.
• Specialty items such as flavored beverage concentrates and commercial ketchup or mustard containers for foodservice applications.

These business-friendly sizes often outshine deals from regular Costco locations.

2. Office Supplies & Snacks

No need to make multiple stops for restocking your breakroom essentials. Costco Business Centers stock office must-haves like:

• Bulk office supplies (printer paper, pens, and staples)
• Single-serve coffee pods
• Individually packaged snacks (perfect for team lunches)

Big offices can significantly cut costs by leveraging these bulk deals every month.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies

Stock up on industrial cleaning supplies such as:

• Professional-grade cleaning solutions in bulk gallon sizes.
• Paper towels, tissues, and disposable gloves for high usage scenarios.
• Trash bags and recycling supplies.

4. Restaurant & Kitchen Equipment

Starting or upgrading your business? Costco Business Centers have a wide array of essential equipment, including:

• Stainless steel prep tables
• Industrial refrigerators
• Commercial-grade appliances like coffee makers and fryers.

Individual consumers or passionate home chefs could also benefit from these top-notch tools at unbeatable prices.

5. Beverages & Convenience Store Goods

Does your business rely on beverages or vending machines? The Business Center caters to convenience stores with items such as:

• Soda cans and specialty drink packs in bulk
• Candy bars and prepackaged goods designed for quick resale.

These can also be a hit for event planners or families prepping for large gatherings.

Tips for Shopping at Costco Business Centers

To make the most of your trip, follow these helpful tips:

1. Arrive Early

Business Centers open earlier compared to regular Costco warehouses, allowing business professionals to shop before their workday kicks off. Beat the rush and have the aisles (mostly) to yourself.

2. Compare Prices

While the Business Center offers excellent value, compare prices with regular Costco or other specialized suppliers for major purchases, especially when it comes to equipment. At times, seasonal promotions at retail headquarters beat standard warehouse pricing.

3. Plan Ahead

Due to their narrower focus, Business Centers don’t stock certain everyday items like clothing, books, or jewelry. Plan accordingly and know what you’ll find before making your trip.

4. Use the Costco App

The Costco app makes tracking down inventory faster and helps you discover any location-specific deals or announcements.

5. Stock Up with Confidence

Business Centers only restock products at scheduled intervals (versus weekly for regular Costcos). Don’t hesitate to grab necessities, even if they seem overly large today—it’s better than finding it out of stock later.

Why You Should Visit a Costco Business Center

Whether you’re managing a business or just looking to snag bulk discounts on essentials, the Costco Business Center is an excellent alternative to standard warehouse locations. Its unique inventory, tailored to higher-volume needs, ensures you’ll always find something new.

Still wondering if the Costco Business Center is worth it? The short answer is yes, especially if you frequently need discounted goods while running a business. Even if you’re just a savvy shopper, the deals and unique products may surprise you.