What private-label brand did Costco introduce in 1995 for many of its store-brand products?

Costco introduced Kirkland Signature in 1995 as the private-label brand for many of its store-brand products.

The name refers to Kirkland, Washington, where Costco had its headquarters when the brand was created. Costco uses the label across a wide range of merchandise, including food, clothing, household goods, batteries, luggage, and personal-care products.

Kirkland Signature was designed to offer quality comparable with national brands at lower prices. Costco’s large warehouse format and membership model support this strategy by concentrating sales on a limited range of products and purchasing them in high volume.

The brand is sometimes confused with Costco’s overall corporate name or with the company’s membership program. Kirkland Signature is specifically a private label, not a separate retailer. Costco also sells many national brands, but its store-brand products have become a major part of its retail identity.