Monthly card-based spend, transactions and basket size
Advan Research’s SpendView dataset tracks de-identified consumer card transactions across the United States, scaled to approximate total consumer-card volume.
Share of total spend by channel.
| Channel | Spend | Transactions | Avg ticket |
|---|
| City | Spend | Transactions | Avg ticket |
|---|
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates a membership-based warehouse model with approximately 570 U.S. locations, distinguished by its emphasis on bulk purchasing and limited SKU breadth compared to traditional retailers. The company's strategy centers on private-label Kirkland Signature products and high inventory turnover, attracting members seeking value through volume discounts and competitive pricing across grocery, general merchandise, and household categories.
During 2019 through mid-2021, Costco's card-based consumer spending patterns reflected the operational dynamics of its membership model, characterized by larger average basket sizes typical of warehouse shopping. The period captured significant shifts in consumer behavior, including pandemic-driven stockpiling in 2020 and sustained elevated purchasing patterns as membership loyalty provided consistent traffic through economic uncertainty. Transaction data from this interval illustrates how the warehouse format's bulk-oriented positioning resonated with consumers prioritizing value and supply security during volatile market conditions.
