New Costco Locations in 2024: 10 Cities Getting Their First Warehouse Store

New Costco Locations 2024

As a savvy shopper always on the hunt for a good deal, you’ll be excited to learn that Costco is planning to open new warehouse locations in 10 cities across the US for the first time in 2024. Whether you’re a current Costco member eager for a location closer to home or someone intrigued by their affordable prices and bulk items, one of these new stores may be coming to a city near you. From the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast and Midwest, Costco is expanding its reach into new markets to provide households more opportunities to save on everything from fresh produce and pantry staples to appliances, clothing, and more. Keep reading to find out if your city is on the list to get its first Costco in 2024 and what you can expect from one of its warehouse stores. The new locations are sure to draw crowds of both new and long-time Costco fans ready to fill their carts.

Costco’s Expansion Plans for 2024

To meet growing demand and provide more customers with access to its signature low-cost goods and member benefits, Costco aims to open 10 new warehouse locations in 2024.

Costco’s Domestic Expansion

Costco plans to expand in the U.S. next year, with two new stores scheduled to open in each of the following cities:

1. Phoenix, AZ
2. Tampa, FL
3. Atlanta, GA
4. Chicago, IL
5. Boston, MA
6. Minneapolis, MN
7. Charlotte, NC
8. Columbus, OH
9. Portland, OR
10. Austin, TX

These new warehouses will provide more Americans the opportunity to shop for Costco’s vast selection of groceries, household goods, and other products at a lower cost. Members can also take advantage of Costco’s affordable insurance plans, discount vacation packages, and other benefits.

Low Prices and High Value

Costco is focused on providing the greatest value to members. By eliminating luxury amenities and focusing on efficiency, Costco is able to offer the lowest possible prices on high-quality, brand-name merchandise. Bulk items, private label Kirkland Signature products, and limited product selection also help Costco keep costs down and pass the savings on to members.

With average membership renewal rates over 90% in the U.S. and Canada, Costco’s formula of low pricing and high value clearly resonates with members. The 10 new locations coming in 2024 will make it even more convenient for members to shop and save on all their needs. For Costco, membership growth and loyalty are the keys to continued success and expansion.

The Top 10 Cities Getting Their First Costco Location

Costco is expanding into new territories in 2024, bringing warehouse savings and bulk items to 10 more cities across the U.S. and Canada.

The Top 10 Cities Getting Their First Costco Location

Costco will open its first location in Huntsville, Alabama in 2024. Residents of Alabama’s largest tech hub and home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center will finally have access to Costco’s unbeatable deals on everything from produce to tires.

London, Ontario, Canada’s 10th largest city, will also gain its inaugural Costco warehouse store in 2024. Canadians in London will benefit from Costco’s quality goods at lower prices thanks to the company’s membership model and bulk-buying power.

Costco is coming to Erie, Pennsylvania, a scenic port city on Lake Erie. Erie’s affordability and revitalized downtown make it an ideal match for Costco’s value and savings.

The capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe, will get its first Costco location. Santa Fe’s residents and visitors will appreciate Costco’s diverse range of high-quality merchandise at lower costs.

Additional cities receiving their first Costco warehouse in 2024 include:

• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Springfield, Missouri
• Montgomery, Alabama
• Amarillo, Texas
• Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Billings, Montana

With new locations spanning the U.S. and Canada, Costco is making their brand of lower prices on bulk essentials and specialty items more accessible to members old and new. More people will discover why Costco is America’s leading membership-only warehouse club in 2024.

An Overview of Costco’s Warehouse Store Model

Costco’s warehouse club model is quite different from a typical retail store. Members pay an annual fee for the privilege of shopping at Costco and gaining access to wholesale prices on a wide range of goods.

A Focus on Bulk Items

Costco specializes in selling large volumes of goods, often in multi-packs, at very low margins. Instead of offering a wide selection of different products, Costco focuses on stocking a limited number of items in large sizes or quantities. This “less selection, more bulk” approach allows Costco to maximize efficiency and pass on the lowest possible prices to members. Shoppers can find jumbo packs of toilet paper, enormous bottles of ketchup, multi-pound blocks of cheese, and more.

Strict Membership Requirements

To shop at Costco, customers must purchase an annual membership. Membership fees range from $60 to $120 per year depending on the level. Costco is able to keep prices low due in part to the membership model. The fees provide a predictable stream of revenue to operate the business.

In addition, Costco members tend to be more affluent, with higher household incomes. By targeting this demographic, Costco is able to provide high-quality, name-brand products while still charging lower prices. Non-members cannot shop at Costco, nor can they access prices on Costco’s website. This membership model creates an exclusive community of shoppers seeking the best possible deals on their favorite items.

A No-Frills Shopping Experience

Costco warehouses have a very simple layout without many of the amenities of a traditional store. aisles are wide to accommodate industrial shelving and forklifts. Products are often sold right off the pallet. There are no bags for customers to use – they must bring their own or purchase reusable bags. Checkout lines can often be quite long due to the sheer volume of goods that members buy.

However, for many loyal Costco members, the opportunity to hunt for bargains and stock up on essentials in a warehouse environment is all part of the appeal. Costco aims to strip away extras and pass every cost savings directly to members through lower prices. For those who love a good deal, Costco’s model has enduring appeal and staying power.

What to Expect From the New Costco Locations

As Costco continues its expansion into new markets, the warehouse retailer aims to provide members in additional cities access to low-cost goods and services. The 10 new locations set to open in 2024 will introduce the Costco experience to more shoppers across the U.S. and Canada.

Product Selection

Members can anticipate discovering the familiar wide range of high-quality groceries, household supplies, and consumer goods offered at affordable prices. Each warehouse location provides access to thousands of bulk items, allowing you to save on staples for your home or business. In addition to pantry essentials and paper products, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and meat to appliances, clothing, and more.

Services

New Costco locations also provide various services to supplement your shopping experience. Fuel stations offer discounted gas for members, while food courts provide inexpensive snacks, meals, and drinks. Pharmacies, optical centers, and hearing aid departments are also available at select locations for your convenience. Members can benefit from low-price prescription drugs, eye exams, glasses, and other health and wellness offerings.

Membership Options

To shop at any Costco warehouse, including the new 2024 locations, you’ll need an active membership. Options include the Gold Star Membership for $60 per year, providing access for two memberships, and the Business Membership for $60, which provides additional benefits for small business owners. Both memberships offer money-saving perks like discounted insurance, low-price auto & home loans, and other benefits.

The new Costco locations set to open in 2024 are sure to provide value to members through quality goods and services at a lower cost. Shoppers in these cities will soon get their first taste of the warehouse savings and bulk items Costco is known for. Overall, the additional stores represent Costco’s ongoing commitment to expansion and making the benefits of membership accessible to more communities.

Costco’s Competitive Prices and Bulk Offerings

Costco is able to offer its members very competitive prices on high-quality goods thanks to its business model. By focusing on bulk items and keeping costs low, Costco passes significant savings onto shoppers.

Bulk Sizing

Costco carries items in large sizes, often much bigger than typical retail packaging. These “bulk” items mean members have to buy more upfront, but at a lower unit price. Families and small business owners benefit the most from bulk sizing. Perishable goods have a longer shelf life for larger households, while businesses can get supplies at a lower cost.

Limited Selection

Costco curates a more focused range of products. It carries only around 4,000 SKUs at a time, far less than a typical supermarket. This tight selection gives Costco more buying power with suppliers and reduces costs. While selection is limited, quality is a priority. Costco’s buyers search for high-quality, name-brand goods to offer members.

Efficiency

Costco’s model maximizes efficiency to minimize costs. It utilizes a simple layout with concrete floors, steel shelving, and products still on shipping pallets. Staffing levels are lower than in traditional retailers. These efficiencies result in lower overhead and operating costs. Costco passes on these savings to members through lower prices.

Member Fees

To shop at Costco, members pay an annual membership fee. This fee, along with the larger volume of sales, allows Costco to price goods very competitively. The fee model also results in loyal customers, as members want to make the most of their paid memberships. Costco is able to keep prices low because of this consistent, predictable revenue from membership fees.

Costco’s competitive pricing and bulk sizing have attracted millions of members and built customer loyalty. While the model may not meet every shopper’s needs, for many the significant cost savings on high-quality goods make the membership worthwhile. The company’s ability to operate with efficiency and pass savings to members shapes its identity as a low-price leader.

Costco’s Membership Options and Perks

Costco offers two membership options: Gold Star and Executive. Both provide access to Costco warehouses and costco.com, with low prices on bulk items and exclusive member savings.

Gold Star Membership

The Gold Star membership is Costco’s standard membership. For $60 per year, you’ll receive an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco and Costco.com purchases, which can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses. This membership is ideal for small businesses and families looking to save on essentials and quality products.

Executive Membership

The Executive membership offers additional benefits for $120 per year. You’ll earn an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco and Costco.com purchases, which can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses. Executive members also receive additional discounts on select Costco services like auto and home insurance, mortgage purchases, and refinances. If you spend over $3,000 per year on Costco purchases, the Executive membership could offset the higher membership fee.

Both membership types provide various perks to support your shopping experience:

• Low Price Guarantee: Costco will refund the difference if you find an identical item at a lower price.
• Travel and Entertainment: Save up to 60% on hotels, cruises, theme parks, and more through Costco Travel.
• Pharmacy: Fill prescriptions at a discounted price and take advantage of a wide range of immunizations and health screenings.
• Food Court: Enjoy affordable meals, snacks, and drinks, including Costco’s signature $1.50 hot dog and soda combo.
• Gas Stations: Fuel up at discounted rates at Costco gas stations, which often charge at least $0.20 less per gallon than other stations.
• Additional Services: Access insurance, business services, checks, and more.

Costco aims to provide significant value for members through high-quality products at wholesale prices and a variety of services to enhance the shopping experience. Review the Gold Star and Executive membership options to determine which level best suits your needs and will help you save the most.

How the New Stores Will Impact Local Economies

The addition of new Costco locations often spurs economic growth in surrounding communities. As more warehouses open their doors, cities and towns will benefit from increased tax revenue, job opportunities, and household savings.

Increased Tax Revenue

With every new Costco that enters a city, municipal governments gain access to additional tax dollars from sales and property taxes. Costco’s affordable prices and bulk items attract droves of customers, which translates to higher sales tax collection for cities. The company also pays property taxes on its warehouses and the land they occupy. These additional tax dollars can help fund important local programs and infrastructure improvements.

Job Creation

New Costco locations generate employment openings for area residents. Each warehouse employs around 150 to 200 workers, including cashiers, stockers, forklift operators, and food service staff. While some positions are part-time, Costco also offers competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for career growth. The influx of jobs can reduce local unemployment rates and stimulate further economic activity as new employees spend their paychecks in the community.

Household Savings

Residents of cities gaining a new Costco can save significantly on household essentials by shopping in bulk. Costco is renowned for offering high-quality goods at a fraction of the price of traditional retailers. Families and individuals can save on everything from fresh produce and meat to clothing, electronics, and home furnishings. The money saved shopping at Costco often translates to extra dollars that can be put toward other local businesses or used to pay down debt.

The arrival of new Costco locations provides economic advantages for cities and their inhabitants. Additional tax revenue, job opportunities, and household savings are just a few of the benefits communities can anticipate when welcoming their first—or next—Costco warehouse store. While the scale of impact will depend on factors like population size and proximity to other Costco stores, most cities see an overall boost to economic health and quality of life.

Anticipated Job Creation in the New Cities

The addition of 10 new Costco warehouse locations across the U.S. and Canada in 2024 is anticipated to generate hundreds of new jobs in each city. Costco typically hires between 150 to 250 employees for each new warehouse store. The bulk of these roles are entry-level positions that provide opportunities for training, growth, and career advancement within the company.

Cashiers and Front-End Assistants

Costco employs 60 to 100 cashiers and front-end assistants per warehouse location. These customer service roles assist members at checkout and provide an efficient checkout experience. Front-end assistants also help direct members to open checkout lanes and assist cashiers with price checks, voids, and refunds.

Stockers and Merchandisers

Each Costco location has 30 to 50 stockers and merchandisers who work overnight to unload deliveries and stock shelves. These behind-the-scenes roles are essential for keeping the warehouse fully stocked with a wide range of products for members. Stockers and merchandisers may also assist with pricing, product rotation, and creating product displays.

Bakery and Deli Assistants

Costco’s popular bakery, deli, and food courts employ 10 to 20 assistants per warehouse. These food service roles prepare Costco’s famous baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and menu items fresh daily. They also assist members with product selection, slicing meats and cheeses to order, and keeping food stations clean and fully stocked.

In addition to the roles outlined above, each Costco warehouse has supervisory and management positions overseeing various departments. Costco provides all employees with competitive pay, health benefits, retirement plans, bonuses, and paid time off. The company is also known for low employee turnover thanks to a positive company culture that promotes from within.

The new Costco locations set to open in 2024 are poised to bring economic opportunity and job creation to cities that will soon get their first taste of the warehouse retailer’s offerings and values. Both job seekers and communities will benefit from Costco’s investment in these new markets.

FAQs About the Upcoming Costco Expansions

As Costco plans to open 10 new warehouse locations in 2024, members and prospective members likely have some questions about what they can expect from these additional stores. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the upcoming Costco expansions:

When will the new Costco warehouses be opening?

Costco aims to open 10 new locations throughout 2024, with specific opening dates to be announced as the launch of each store approaches. New warehouses are planned for major cities across the U.S., including Phoenix, Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh.

Will membership fees increase due to the expansions?

Costco does not currently have plans to increase membership fees in 2024 as a result of opening additional warehouse locations. Membership fees are evaluated annually based on the company’s operating costs and other factors. Barring any unforeseen increases in costs, standard Gold Star and Executive membership fees should remain the same.

Will the new warehouses have the same offerings as existing locations?

The new Costco warehouses will feature the same product offerings, services, and general layout as comparable existing locations. Members can expect to find high-quality, brand-name groceries, household goods, clothing, and other items at value prices. Additional features like food courts, pharmacies, eye care centers, and fuel stations will be included at most new locations based on space and zoning allowances.

How will the expansions impact local small businesses?

While the arrival of a Costco warehouse could drive some customers away from small local retailers, many independent store owners find that they can coexist and even mutually benefit. Costco’s wholesale model and limited SKU counts mean they do not compete in the same spheres as most small specialty stores. Some retailers also gain new foot traffic and sales from Costco members before or after their Costco shopping trips. However, small businesses should prepare for the potential impact of a Costco opening by improving their customer experience, community ties, and product offerings.

The additional Costco locations planned for 2024 aim to bring the warehouse retailer’s signature combination of quality, value, and broad selection to more members across America. With low prices on everything from groceries to clothing to lifestyle goods, the new warehouses are sure to be a hit in the cities lucky enough to gain their first Costco store.

Conclusion

New Costco locations mean greater convenience and value for members in 10 lucky cities. The popular warehouse retailer aims to open new stores in underserved markets across the country, giving more people access to significant savings on everything from groceries and electronics to vacation packages and insurance. Whether you’re looking to save big on bulk essentials for your business or simply want the best deals for your household, Costco membership opens the door to a world of affordable quality and selection. Check your city’s location and opening date, and get ready to experience lower prices on your favorite items in bulk. The savings and selection you’ve been missing are finally coming your way.