Costco sees more growth for its $31.9 billion real-estate empire and is expanding production of its famous inflation-busting hot dog combo | Fortune

"The Issaquah, Washington-based wholesaling giant's expansion remains robust. In the fourth quarter alone, Costco opened 10 new warehouses, and it opened 27 over the full year, including three relocations, for a global total of 914. CEO Ron Vachris told analysts on the earnings call that the company plans to open 35 warehouses in 2026, including five relocations, adding: "We continue to see significant opportunities for expansion both domestically and internationally across the markets where we currently operate.""

"Unlike most major retailers who lean heavily on leasing, Costco actually owns the vast majority of its 900+ warehouses worldwide, amassing a real-estate portfolio valued at $31.9 billion as of its last quarter. BJ Feller, managing director at Minnesota real-estate firm Northmarq, made some back-of-the-envelope calculations in a July 2025 LinkedIn post: Costco owns roughly 80% of its sites, at 15 to 20 acres each, conservatively valuing each location at $25 million-$35 million."

"CFO Gary Millerchip, who recently took over from his legendary predecessor, the 40-year incumbent Richard Galanti, said Thursday that land purchases included "expanded hot dog production," among other purposes such as a new coffee roasting facility. He had some "fun sales facts" for analysts, saying that "everyday value items" are hugely important to shoppers, especially in times of economic uncertainty. In 2025, Costco sold over 245 million hot-dog combos, over 157 million rotisserie chickens and "enough bath tissue to reach"

Costco marked milestone anniversaries for its $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo (40 years) and Kirkland Signature (30 years) while reporting fourth-quarter earnings. The company opened 10 warehouses in the quarter and 27 over the year, bringing the global total to 914, and plans 35 openings in 2026 including five relocations. Costco owns roughly 80% of its more than 900 warehouses, creating a $31.9 billion real-estate portfolio. Industry estimates place each site at 15–20 acres and valued $25–$35 million. Land purchases funded expanded hot-dog production and a coffee roasting facility. In 2025, Costco sold over 245 million hot-dog combos and 157 million rotisserie chickens.

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