Costco Wholesale's (NASDAQ: COST) business has exploded in recent years, helping it become one of the world's most successful retailers. In the last five years alone, shares of the warehouse retailer have soared 166%. The company's unique business model of offering an annual membership in exchange for access to wholesale items at industry-low prices has won over shoppers worldwide.

Yet, Costco is only at the start of its global expansion. The company is on a path to continue seeing significant financial gains year over year as it grows its international footprint. Here's why Costco is a screaming long-term buy right now.

The retail industry is highly competitive, with Costco up against major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and . However, Costco has differentiated itself from the competition with its wholesale model and allowed space for its customers to shop at competing stores while also visiting its locations on a regular basis. As a result, Costco has significantly outperformed its peers in recent years.

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Source Fool.com