Costco is unique in that they require you to show a card for entry. Department stores commonly have more than one entrance on different sides of the building. N

Costco is unique in that they require you to show a card for entry. Department stores commonly have more than one entrance on different sides of the building. Not every store models itself after a department store layout, though. I'll admit every time I enter a Costco from one corner, it does feel a little strange and crowded. But it's a smart idea, yes, given the constraints Costco has.