Image Source: Economic Times
Key highlights
U.S. retail powerhouse Costco Wholesale Corp is set to launch its first Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, India, marking a major investment in the country’s booming tech-driven support industry. According to sources familiar with the plans, the centre will start operations with an initial workforce of 1,000 employees, with scope for future expansion as business needs evolve.
Why Hyderabad and Why Now?
Hyderabad, already home to GCCs of global giants like McDonald’s, Heineken, and Vanguard, offers Costco a robust mix of skilled tech talent, modern infrastructure, and proximity to leading academic institutions such as IIT Hyderabad.
India’s GCC industry is rapidly expanding, expected to triple in market size to $99–105 billion by 2030 from $64.6 billion in 2024, according to Nasscom and Zinnov. The sector is attracting international firms looking not just for cost arbitrage but for innovation, R&D, digital supply chain management, and AI-driven analytics.
What Will Costco’s GCC Do?
Initially, the Hyderabad centre will focus on technology, research, and supporting Costco’s global teams across critical operational functions—ranging from daily business operations to finance, supply chain, and advanced data analytics.
As GCCs in India evolve from traditional back-office roles to high-value strategy, AI, and software development hubs, Costco’s move signals its intent to build long-term capability and resilience in global operations.
Broader Economic and Industry Context
India’s annual production of over 1.5 million engineering graduates and progressive regulatory incentives make it an attractive location for GCC investments by multinational companies.
The shift also comes as retail majors seek to localize digital platforms, personalize shopping experiences, and enhance agility in their worldwide supply chains.
What’s Next?
The centre’s phased expansion and integration with global operations position Costco to capitalize on India’s “digital-first” work culture and growing tech ecosystem.
Industry watchers see this as a strategic move that will not only create jobs but also embed India further into the global digital and retail value chain.
Sources: Reuters, Yahoo Finance
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