For most of its history, Costco's identity as a wine and spirits retailer was one of the best-kept secrets in American retail. Members who wandered into the beverage alcohol section of their local warehouse discovered an extraordinary assortment of premium wines, artisan spirits, and craft beers at prices that defied comparison — bottles of Grand Cru Burgundy, aged Scotch, and premium Cognac sitting alongside Kirkland Signature spirits that routinely outperformed famous name-

Let's start with a number that should stop every brand owner in their tracks: $90 billion. That is how much Kirkland Signature — Costco's private label brand — generated in sales in 2025 alone. According to a report given at Costco's 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Kirkland Signature brand brought in about $90 billion in sales in 2025 — more than a $15 billion increase compared to Kirkland Signature sales in 2024. Julee Ho Media Let that sink in. A single private lab

Kirkland Signature isn’t just a private label—it’s one of the most powerful brands in retail. For shoppers, Kirkland represents trusted quality and exceptional value. For Costco buyers, Kirkland is a strategic lever that shapes category economics, pricing pressure, and brand negotiations. For brands entering Costco, understanding the “Kirkland Effect” is essential. It influences how buyers evaluate your value proposition, how pricing is framed, and how your brand fits into Co