Costco Business Centers are specialized warehouses for bulk buyers—restaurants, offices, convenience stores, caterers, and more—but available to all Costco members. With around a dozen locations in California, these centers stock commercial-grade appliances, office essentials, cleaning supplies, and large packs of food items—products often absent from regular Costco warehouses.
📊 California Locations Overview
Here’s a table summarizing six key Costco Business Centers in California:
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours* | Facilities | Transit Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce | 6333 Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA 90040 | (323) 767‑2640 | M–Sat 7 am–6 pm; Sun 7 am–6 pm | Food Court, Gas Station, Delivery | Bus: lines 50, 62, 600, 700; Train: RIV, OC | Food court uncommon at business centers |
| Westminster (Orange Co.) | 13225 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683 | (657) 400‑7006 | M–F 7–6; Sat 7–6; Sun closed at 4 | Bulk food, catering/skincare supplies | Bus stop ~1 300 ft at Beach‑Trask | “Spacious, well stocked” per Yelp |
| San Jose | 2376 S Evergreen Loop, San Jose, CA 95122 | (669) 236‑4679 | M–Sat 7–6; Sun 8–4 | Print Shop, office supplies | Bus: lines 71 & 77 @ Quimby/Eastridge | 4.6★ rating from 712 reviews |
| Hayward | (address not listed) | — | — | — | Bus 34, 56, 93; Train CC; BART from Hayward/Castro Valley | Walkable; bus ~3–8 min; BART ~20 min |
| South San Francisco | 900 Dubuque Ave, South SF, CA 94080 | 650‑784‑4047 | M–F 7–6; Sat 7–4 | Warehouse-only bulk goods | Caltrain: South San Francisco station (~2 600 ft away); buses nearby | Near South Tower offices |
| San Diego | 7803 Othello Ave, San Diego, CA 92111 | (858) 810‑5833 | M–F 7–6; Sat busy; Sun closed? | Warehouse-only; delivery pickup | Transit data not specified; phone for info | 4.6★ rating, fast checkouts |
* Hours typically 7 am–6 pm on weekdays; some exceptions noted above.
🚌 Transit & Access Summary
- Commerce: Well-supported by local transit. Bus routes 50, 62, 600, and 700, with connections via RIV & OC regional train lines.
- Hayward: Easily accessible by bus6 routes (34/56/93, stops within 3–8 min walk), CC train, and BART from Castro Valley & Hayward.
- San Jose: Bus access via lines 71 & 77 near Quimby/Eastridge.
- South San Francisco: Near Caltrain station (~0.5 miles) and local bus stops .
- Westminster: Bus stop ~1,300 ft away on Beach Blvd.
- San Diego: Transit not detailed; phone recommended for access routes .
👍 Pros & Cons at a Glance
✅ Advantages
- Broader & Unique Selection: Industrial kitchenware, individually packaged snacks, office/cleaning supplies, commercial appliances.
- Lower Crowds & Faster Service: Shoppers report quieter aisles, easy parking, and swift checkouts.
- Early Opening Hours: Most open at 7 am vs. regular warehouses at 10 am.
- Bulk & Delivery Options: Pallet orders, business delivery (often next-day) and separate business coupons.
⚠️ Limitations
- Limited Product Range: No clothing, electronics, tires, seasonal goods, or food courts at most locations.
- Shorter Operating Hours: Less flexibility for after-work visits; Sunday closures vary.
- Large Quantities May Be Impractical: Ideal for businesses; overkill for small households.
- Sparse Locations: Only about 10 centers in California; travel may be needed .
🗣 What Shoppers Say
From Reddit and review platforms:
“It has a lot more food items you will never find at your normal Costco… loads more kitchen supplies like industrial stuff.”
“Spacious, well stocked… not as busy” — Yelper
“Meat section is amazing. We buy all our meat from there and it’s half the price of any other store.”
🌟 Recommendations by Needs
Small Business Owners/Caterers: Commerce (food court + gas), Westminster, San Jose — strong for commercial kitchen and bulk goods.
Convenience Store/Vending Stockers: Hayward & South SF — easy transit, strong individually boxed snack/beverage offerings.
Households That Cook in Bulk: San Diego & South SF — pick-up facilities, ample space, and competitive pricing.
Fast-Paced Shoppers: Any Business Center—leverages early opening and short lines for quick early-morning runs.
✅ Final Thoughts
Costco Business Centers in California deliver a robust business-grade shopping experience with early hours, bulk quantities, and delivery services. For professionals and bulk shoppers, these centers are invaluable. However, they diverge from regular Costcos by foregoing consumer-friendly perks—no food court (mostly), no clothing, no seasonal products, and a shorter operating window.
If you run a business—especially in food service, events, or retail—these centers may greatly streamline operations and lower costs. For busy families or smaller needs, planning around quantity sizes and location availability is key.
