PriceSmart, Inc. · San Diego, CA United States ·(NASDAQ (GM): PSMT)

PriceSmart is wise in the ways of members-only club retailing. The company runs about 25 US-style membership stores under the PriceSmart names in Central America and the Caribbean. It sells low-cost food, pharmacy, and basic consumer items. In each store, nearly half of the merchandise comes from the US, and the other half is sourced locally. In-store services include auto/tire centers, banking, and photo developing. PriceSmart stores are smaller than wholesale clubs in the US, averaging about 40,000-50,000 sq. ft., and the membership fees vary by market from around $25 up to $35. PriceSmart was pioneered by the father-and-son team Sol and Robert Price, who founded Price Club in 1976. To read the full description, subscribe now.