Case study · Retail
Retail warehouse security case study: Costco Wholesale
How USSG’s SIA-licensed officers protect Costco Wholesale warehouses: visible security at entrances, exits, high-value areas and car parks, loss prevention patrols, first aid and emergency response, and detailed incident reporting, without compromising customer service.
Illustrative photo- Client
- Costco Wholesale
- Sector
- Retail, wholesale warehouses
- Location
- Multiple Costco locations
- Services
- Manned guarding, loss prevention, emergency response
- Key result
- A marked fall in theft
The client
About Costco Wholesale
Costco is one of the largest global wholesale retailers, selling a wide range of goods in large quantities. With significant inventory and high customer traffic, safety, security and asset protection are crucial to its operations.
Costco needed a safe, secure environment for customers and staff, protection against theft, vandalism and other breaches, and a visible security presence that keeps each store running smoothly.
The challenge
What made this site challenging
High traffic and inventory value
Large, busy warehouses handling high volumes of people, products and transactions.
Customer experience
Security had to stay effective while supporting excellent customer service.
Large perimeters and many entry points
Extensive perimeters, multiple entrances and exits, and large car parks.
Asset protection and theft
Shoplifting and internal theft, especially of electronics, jewellery and other premium goods.
Emergency situations
Medical incidents, fires and customer disputes requiring trained emergency response.
What we did
How USSG approached the work
Highly trained security personnel
- Background checks, including criminal record verification, before placement
- Training in customer service, conflict resolution, emergency procedures and retail loss prevention
- Officers positioned at entrances and exits, high-risk product areas and car parks
- Radios and mobile apps for constant coordination
Loss prevention and asset protection
- Regular patrols of high-value areas such as electronics, jewellery and locked cabinets
- Support for periodic inventory checks with Costco’s management
- Officers trained to spot internal theft while respecting employee privacy
Customer and staff safety
- Access control and ID checks out of hours and at staff entrances
- First aid, CPR and emergency procedures for medical incidents, fires and active threats
- Friendly, approachable customer service and help with directions
Incident reporting
- Every incident documented, from minor disturbances to thefts and emergencies
- Records used to improve strategies and prevent repeat incidents
- Prompt response to alarm-triggered incidents and emergency alerts
Results
The outcome for Costco Wholesale
Outcomes as reported in the published case study.
Reduction in theft and loss
A marked decrease in shoplifting and internal theft incidents, with a positive impact on shrinkage.
Improved customer safety
A visible, friendly security presence improved customers’ perception of safety.
Efficient emergency response
Quicker, more effective responses to medical emergencies, conflicts and other critical incidents.
Enhanced asset protection
High-value areas better protected and staff more vigilant against unauthorised access.
Seamless integration
Manned guarding combined with surveillance support, without disrupting the business or customer service.
FAQs
Questions about this case study
Quick answers about the work USSG delivered for Costco Wholesale.
Last updated 23 October 2026.
What security does USSG provide for Costco?
SIA-licensed officers at entrances, exits, high-value product areas and car parks, with loss prevention patrols, inventory check support, access control, first aid and emergency response, and detailed incident reporting.
How do security guards reduce shoplifting in large stores?
Through a visible presence at entrances and high-value areas, regular patrols of items such as electronics and jewellery, trained loss prevention tactics and detailed incident records that help prevent repeat incidents.
Are your retail security officers trained in first aid?
Yes. Officers at Costco are trained in basic first aid, CPR and emergency procedures for medical incidents, fires and active threat situations.
How much does a retail security guard cost?
Typically £15 to £25 per hour in the UK, depending on location, hours, duties and notice. See our retail security guard cost guide.
Have a site like this?
Tell us about your premises and we will explain how we would approach it, with the examples most relevant to your sector.