Operational Excellence — SKUs, Pallets, and the Treasure Hunt

Costco operates one of the most efficient retail supply chains in the world: under 4,000 SKUs per warehouse (vs. 100,000+ at Walmart), no-touch pallet logistics, and a deliberately rotating "treasure hunt" merchandise mix. This module explains the operational model and how to discuss "operational efficiency" in interviews — a phrase Costco interviewers reward when used with substance.