‘Different kind of Costco’: What is a Costco Business Center, and can you shop at one?

(NEXSTAR) – You may be living near an uncommon kind of Costco.

Of the 600-plus Costco locations currently open in the United States, 28 belong to a group of outlets known as Costco Business Centers, which are essentially Costco locations designed for business and restaurant operators, rather than the average consumer.

Described by the company as “a different kind of Costco,” Costco’s Business Centers offer a range of products — often in larger quantities — not usually found in a typical Costco. Among these products, Costco Business Center customers can expect to find office supplies, food-service equipment and resale-ready goods. But they also offer many of the same staples found in the average Costco — meats, groceries, cleaning supplies, etc. — though often in different quantities, and sometimes “by the pallet or truckload,” according to the company.

Because of this, Costco estimates that more than 70% of the specific items found at a Costco Business Center (whether in terms of category, brand or size) are not offered at other Costco warehouses.

“It’s more … businessy, per se,” one Reddit user recently wrote, attempting to sum up the experience for a more casual Costco shopper.

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That said, Costco Business Centers can be lacking in other amenities for the retail customer. For instance, shoppers aren’t likely to find seasonal items, clothing, books, toys or free samples at a Business Center, according to customers. And, as indicated on the company’s website, only about half (13) of the locations offer gas, while even fewer (4) boast food courts.

Furthermore, not a single Business Center — aside from the Honolulu and Salt Lake City locations (which double as regular Costcos) — has a pharmacy, a tire center, a hearing department or an optical department.

For more business-minded customers, though, such amenities might be unnecessary. The lack of these departments — combined with fewer products for retail shoppers — could actually mean fewer folks in the store, shoppers say.

“It’s never as crowded,” one shopper remarked after filming a tour of his local Business Center and its massive refrigerated section.

Shoppers hoping to see the inside of a Costco Business Center also don’t need any special membership, as the warehouses are open to Costco members at any level.

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Unfortunately, the Business Center locations are few when compared to the typical stores. There are currently 28 business centers scattered across 16 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas, Utah and Washington. But they’re not evenly distributed geographically, with 19 in the Western U.S. (including 11 in California alone).

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If you’re still up for the pilgrimage, there’s nothing stopping the average Costco customer from planning a visit. Just make sure you bring a refrigerated truck — and/or some self-control.

“[The] ability to purchase ultra bulk containers of stuff I really don’t need but would justify as emergency preparedness … yeah, that feeling keeps me out of that building unsupervised,” one Reddit user lamented after tagging along to a local Business Center.

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