🌭 Costco’s Kirkland: How a $1.50 Hot Dog Changed Store Brands Forever | 22

If you currently own a 12-pack of bath tissue, a 150-count bag of laundry pods, and/or a 48-oz jar of cashews, chances are they all have the same label: Kirkland Signature. Costco debuted this private-label brand—aka ‘store brand’—in 1995 and since then, it’s become a sales-driving juggernaut. Kirkland products now account for a quarter of Costco’s total sales, from coffee and batteries to their famous rotisserie chickens and $1.50 hot dogs. But don’t you dare call Kirkland “generic”, the brand has built up a rep for high-quality products and a cult-like following from all walks of life. (Kirkland Tequila as status symbol? Believe it.) Learn how a retail legend named Sol Price fought off Walmart to make the world’s most perfect shoppers’ club, why the mere suggestion to raise the hot dog price resulted in a death threat, and why Costco’s Kirkland is the best idea yet.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterFollow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.