STAFFORD, Texas — Costco Wholesale Corp. opened its first Houston-area Costco Business Center late last month here.

The 148,000-square-foot facility is the 22nd Costco Business Center to open nationwide. The units differ from standard Costco warehouses in that their offerings are geared more toward small businesses, and 70% of the merchandise is different than in a traditional Costco.

“We typically cater more to businesses, including offices, stores and restaurants, more than to the average consumer,” club manager Brian Williams said. “We welcome all Costco members, but we built this store with the mission to best meet business needs.”

The business center offers delivery five days a week and same-day delivery if ordered by 3 p.m., something traditional Costcos don’t offer. The center is also offering special pricing and opening early to accommodate the demands that Costco members have.

Assistant general managers Marko Lewis and Rich Jost emphasized that the Costco Business Center locations do not offer such traditional Costco services as gas, restaurants and furniture sales. “By catering more specifically to business needs, we are able to cut costs and offer members the best prices,” Lewis said.

Jost added, “Businesses not only benefit financially, but also receive faster, more direct service when doing business through us.”

The Costco Business Centers also have marketing representatives who can work with members.

“We are able to share our knowledge of Costco products and business to help Costco business members make the best possible decisions, through finding them both the best deals and the most appropriate merchandise for their needs,” Julia Krutikov, a marketing representative at the center, explained.

Stafford Mayor Cecil Willis Jr. attended the opening alongside city council members Virginia Rosas, Ken Mathew and Alice Chem. “We are happy to welcome the new addition of a Costco wholesale business center,” Willis said. “With the number of businesses in the Houston area, this location will benefit our community in a number of ways, and families will appreciate the addition of a Costco to Stafford as well.”