I did a little research on Costco Japan, where I live, and it seems the company is doing quite well.
Costco entered Japan in 1999 and has steadily expanded its footprint since then. As of 2025 it operates 36 warehouse stores nationwide and continues to add new locations. The company has plans to nearly double that number to over 60 stores by 2030, including in more remote regions.
Apparently, opening a Costco often brings hundreds of jobs to a community and can boost local economic activity. For example, studies have shown population increases and higher tax revenues in towns hosting new warehouses.
Costco pays relatively high wages in Japan — about ¥1,500 per hour, which is significantly above the national legal minimum — helping it attract many job applicants and retain staff.
Costco’s model sits slightly at odds with everyday Japanese habits: bulk buying assumes large homes, cars, and freezer space, while many households are small, urban, and shop frequently rather than stockpiling. Yet that very friction has become part of its appeal. Costco functions less as a routine supermarket than as a destination—an outing, a spectacle of abundance—where families make occasional trips for value, novelty, and imported goods. In Japan, Costco succeeds not by replacing local retail culture, but by existing just outside it.
Very much enjoyed this anthropology of mass consumerism, Wessie, and you conjure up the weirdness of the locale so well. This virtual wander through Croydon's hinterlands strikes me as more fun than actually being there; but perhaps, were I to risk it, I would be as susceptible as anyone to its unusual charms!
Such a brilliant and funny piece - from someone with a Costco membership
Apologies, I missed this comment somehow. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank for the great story.
I did a little research on Costco Japan, where I live, and it seems the company is doing quite well.
Costco entered Japan in 1999 and has steadily expanded its footprint since then. As of 2025 it operates 36 warehouse stores nationwide and continues to add new locations. The company has plans to nearly double that number to over 60 stores by 2030, including in more remote regions.
Apparently, opening a Costco often brings hundreds of jobs to a community and can boost local economic activity. For example, studies have shown population increases and higher tax revenues in towns hosting new warehouses.
Costco pays relatively high wages in Japan — about ¥1,500 per hour, which is significantly above the national legal minimum — helping it attract many job applicants and retain staff.
Costco’s model sits slightly at odds with everyday Japanese habits: bulk buying assumes large homes, cars, and freezer space, while many households are small, urban, and shop frequently rather than stockpiling. Yet that very friction has become part of its appeal. Costco functions less as a routine supermarket than as a destination—an outing, a spectacle of abundance—where families make occasional trips for value, novelty, and imported goods. In Japan, Costco succeeds not by replacing local retail culture, but by existing just outside it.
This is fascinating, thank you! Like many people I find Japanese culture and society endlessly intriguing.
Very much enjoyed this anthropology of mass consumerism, Wessie, and you conjure up the weirdness of the locale so well. This virtual wander through Croydon's hinterlands strikes me as more fun than actually being there; but perhaps, were I to risk it, I would be as susceptible as anyone to its unusual charms!
Thank you Caroline, glad you enjoyed it. I'm sure a seasoned and skilful explorer like yourself would find plenty of interest there!