Costco: the anti-walmart

This is an interesting article I found that compares Wal-Mart to Costco from the perspective primarily of investors and stockholders.

Some quotes of interest:

"The warehouse-club retailer 'has figured out the big, simple things': Hold down expenses and prices, treat employees well, make discount shopping fashionable and keep shareholders happy."

""Membership has its privileges." That slogan belongs to American Express, but it might better apply to Costco Wholesale, the leading warehouse-club operator in the U.S., whose determination to deliver value and innovative products to its 23 million members has made it one of the country's top retailers."

"By offering one-time specials like discounted Prada bags or Callaway golf clubs at individual outlets, Costco has created what it calls a "treasure-hunt" atmosphere in its stores."

"Costco is among a handful of retailers that has flourished despite Wal-Mart Stores' (WMT, news, msgs) onslaught; Wal-Mart's more downscale Sam's Club chain runs second to Costco. With its strong labor relations, low employee turnover and liberal benefits, Costco has been called the "anti-Wal-Mart." Its approach has paid dividends because Costco, based in Issaquah, Wash., hasn't encountered the same community resistance as Wal-Mart when it has sought to open stores."

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/CostcoTheAntiWalMart.aspx