Costco co-founder and retail legend Jeff Brotman died early Tuesday morning. He was 74

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The Issaquah, Washington-based wholesale corporation released a statement on Tuesday making the announcing his death with “great sadness.”

“The thoughts of Costco’s board, management and employees are with Jeff’s wife and family,” the statement read.

Brotman was a founder and chairman of the board of the company from its inception until October 1993. In October 1993, Brotman became the vice chairman of the company, and he has served as chairman since December 1994.