PSMT

PriceSmart, Inc. operates membership-based warehouse clubs in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia, following a business model similar to that of Costco Wholesale. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the company was founded in 1994 and currently operates 53 warehouse clubs across 13 countries and one U.S. territory. PriceSmart serves approximately 1.7 million cardholding members who pay annual membership fees to access discounted merchandise including groceries, electronics, appliances, apparel, and household goods. The company generates revenue through both membership fees and product sales, with its warehouse clubs typically ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 square feet. PriceSmart holds leading market positions in most of its operating territories, where it often faces limited direct competition from similar warehouse club formats. The company operates its own distribution infrastructure and has developed private label brands to enhance margins. Recent strategic initiatives include digital transformation efforts, expanding e-commerce capabilities, and opening new warehouse locations in existing markets. PriceSmart also operates Aeropost, a cross-border e-commerce logistics service that enables members to purchase products from U.S. retailers and have them shipped to Central America and the Caribbean. The company employs approximately 9,000 team members across its operations and emphasizes a localized merchandising approach tailored to each market's preferences and economic conditions.