Costco

The world's third-largest retailer earns most of its profit from membership fees, enabling it to price merchandise at near-cost. Costco's Kirkland Signature private label is consistently rated as good or better than national brands by Consumer Reports. The rotisserie chicken ($4.99 since 2009), the hot dog ($1.50 since 1985), and the $1.50 churro are the most famous retail loss leaders in history.