Costco Wholesale Corporation is a global retailer with warehouse club operations in eight countries. The Company operates an international chain of membership warehouses, mainly under the Costco Wholesale name. The Company's warehouses are designed to help small- to medium-sized businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and for everyday business use. The Company offers merchandise in various categories, which include groceries, candy, appliances, television and media, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. Members can also shop for private label Kirkland Signature products. It operates approximately 838 warehouses worldwide. It also operates self-service gasoline stations. The Company operates e-commerce websites in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.