Costco, however, by playing the long game and maintaining a happy workforce has now put itself in a superior position for handling this current inflationary environment. And in a world increasingly struggling with inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain snags, Costco is a solid defensive play that can endure whatever geopolitical issues may come its way. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) is a leading chain of club membership stores.