Does Target Own Costco? (Not What You Think…)

The American retail industry is dominated by an ongoing collection of large chain corporations. Target offers everyday general merchandise, while Costco is a warehouse club that sells household goods in bulk.

Since both companies predominantly operate big box stores, you may wonder: Does Target own Costco? This is what I have found!

Does Target Own Costco?

Target does not own Costco. However, the companies share many of the same shareholders and mutual fund holders, including The Vanguard Group Inc and BlackRock Fund Advisors. Costco Companies Inc. currently owns Costco, while Target Corporation runs Target.

If you’d like to find out which companies are owned by Target and whether Costco is an American brand, read on!

Are Target And Costco Owned By The Same Company?

No, Target and Costco are not owned by the same company. The parent company of Target is Dayton’s, formerly recognized for Dayton’s Department store, which later became the Target Corporation.

On the other hand, Costco was founded by American entrepreneurs Jeffrey H. Brotman and James D. Sinegal.

Ten years later, The Price Company merged with Costco under the corporate name Costco Companies Inc.

Are Target And Costco Privately Owned?

No, both Target and Costco are publicly traded corporations meaning shareholders invest in the company.

Additionally, when comparing Target and Costco, you can see similar shareholders.

The Vanguard Group, for instance, is one of the top 10 shareholders of both Target and Costco:

  • 40,704,261 (at the time of research) shares owned by Target
  • 12,991,954,719 shares in Costco

Equally, BlackRock Fund Advisors, SSgA Funds Management Inc, and Northern Trust Investments Inc appear as the top 10 shareholders of both corporations.

In addition to this, Target and Costco share the same mutual fund holders who are part of the organizational structure designed to facilitate investment.

Here are the investment companies that hold mutual funds for Target and Costco:

  • Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund
  • Vanguard 500 Index Fund
  • Government Pension Fund
  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
  • Fidelity 500 Index Fund

Does Target Own Any Other Companies?

Target Corporation is most known for owning nearly 50 private label brands exclusively sold at Target stores and online.

Cat & Jack, Market Pantry, Project 62, Good and Gather, Heyday, and All In Motion are just a few of the major bands owned by Target.

Additionally, Target holds three other subsidiaries, including Target Capital Corporation, Target Enterprise, and Target General Merchandise.

Is Costco Owned By China?

No, Costco is not currently owned by China, nor has it ever been. From the 1970s until the 2010s, Costco was an exclusive wholesale retailer exclusively based in America.

In 2019, Costco experienced booming success in the Chinese market as the first store opened in Shanghai.

Who Does Costco Own?

Aside from its signature Kirkland brand sold exclusively at stores and online, Costco is also the proud owner of Ancillary Businesses such as gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical care, hearing aid centers, and travel.

Many big brands are behind the production of Kirkland Signature, including Starbucks, Duracell, and Huggies.

To learn more about Target and Costco, you can see our related posts on Target statistics, Costco statistics, why Target is so expensive, and why Costco is so cheap.

Conclusion

No, Target does not own Costco. Target Corporation (formerly Dayton’s) owns Target, while Costco Companies Inc owns Costco after merging with Prince Club.

Both companies are invested in by The Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRockFund, SSgA Funds Management Inc, and Northern Trust Investments Inc. Target owns private label brands exclusively sold in-store and online.

Photo of author

Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

Leave a Comment