SPECIAL SECTION: KIRKLAND SIGNATURE
NEXT-LEVEL LUXURY
Manchester buyers weave together incredible comfort and value for members.
BY JIYAN DESSENS
Our mission together was to create and develop the absolute best quality blanket worldwide.
When you walk past the display of Costco’ s Kirkland Signature plush blankets in the warehouse, it’ s impossible to resist reaching out to touch the fabric. That unbelievable softness and attractive sheen are the result of a proprietary process developed by Costco and its supplier partner, Nemcor Inc., designed to bring beauty, comfort and value into members’ homes.
“ Costco and Nemcor have a longstanding relationship – nearly 30 years,” explains Costco assistant buyer Divya Vangaveti.“ After reviewing multiple samples from various vendors, we chose the current item from Nemcor as it is the best quality blanket for the value we could provide.”
Michelle Lacasse is the business manager at Nemcor Inc., a leading global textiles manufacturer. She has been working with Costco on product development for decades and believes the unique synergy between the businesses is one reason for their outstanding level of success.
“ Our goals and objectives are aligned,” she says.“ We all strive for the best product at the best price with no exception.”
This is certainly true for Kirkland Signature’ s plush blankets. The current item has come a long way since its launch in 2016, when only one size was offered. Nemcor Inc. took over manufacturing in 2019 after collaborating with buyers on multiple improvements – all of which have been well received by members in Australia and all over the world.
“ The product has improved in softness, durability and appearance along with introducing two-tone colourations that add to the level of luxury,” says Lacasse.
“ Our mission together was to create and develop the absolute best-quality blanket worldwide. It is the softest, cosiest, oversized heavyweight blanket in the market.”
Each blanket is manufactured with premium polyester on state-of-the-art textile looms. Only the best materials and equipment are used to ensure consistency of quality.
“ From the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process, there are 16 different
34 | MAR / APR 2023 COSTCO CONNECTION