Exhibit 15.1

December 18, 2002

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Issaquah, Washington

Re: Registration Statement No’s. 33-50799, 333-1127, 333-04355, 333-21093, 333-72122  and 333-82782

With respect to the subject registration statements, we acknowledge our awareness of the use therein of our report dated December 18, 2002 related to our review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), such report is not considered part of a registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant, or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

/S/    KPMG LLP

Seattle, Washington