Costco was started as a business supplies wholesaler. They shifted to a consumer orientation and not requiring a business license as they realized that most cus

Costco was started as a business supplies wholesaler. They shifted to a consumer orientation and not requiring a business license as they realized that most customers were buying significant amounts for their own personal use, and not just for business use. There are still many other strictly business-serving wholesalers, too, of course, often specialized by vertical - e.g. Sysco is specialized in foodservice.