Costco is continuing with its expansion plans and has now announced the opening of more locations in the coming months. The warehouse chain aims to open between 25 and 30 new stores each year, and for now, it will start with three new locations that will begin operating very soon. Here’s where they’ll be located and when they’ll open.
When will the new Costco stores open?
According to the company, the three new stores are scheduled to open in June and July of this year.
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Where will the new Costco stores be located?
On its official website, the retail chain detailed that of the three new stores, one will be located in the United States, while the other two will open abroad. These are the locations:
- Pyeongtaek, South Korea – opening in June 2025
- Malmö, Sweden – opening in July 2025
- Midland, Texas – opening in July 2025
How many new stores has Costco opened?
In March, the company opened six new stores in various locations across the United States. These new branches are mainly located in California and Texas. The locations are:
- Brentwood, California
- Highlands, California
- Sharon, Massachusetts
- Genesee County, Michigan
- Prosper, Texas
- Weatherford, Texas
How many Costco locations are there in the United States?
Currently, the company operates 897 stores worldwide, 617 of which are in the United States and Puerto Rico. With the opening of six new locations in the United States, the total number of stores will reach 903.
Additionally, the company has a presence in several countries, with 109 stores in Canada, 41 in Mexico, 36 in Japan, 29 in the UK, 19 in South Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, 7 in China, 5 in Spain, and 2 in France, with one store each in Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden.
What types of memberships does Costco offer?
Gold Star Membership
This membership is ideal for those who shop occasionally, as it comes with a more affordable annual fee. It also includes the following benefits:
- Access to the warehouse
- Access to Costco gas stations
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services, such as car and home insurance, Costco Auto Program, pet insurance, and bottled water delivery.
Executive Membership
This membership offers a 2% annual reward, along with exclusive discounts and promotions. The benefits include:
- All the benefits of Gold Star
- 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases
- Free household card
- Access to Costco services with discounts on selected services
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How much do Costco memberships cost?
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
- Executive Membership: $130 per year
Can I shop at Costco without a membership?
To shop at any Costco warehouse, you must be a member. However, those without a membership can purchase prescription medications freely or buy any item in the warehouse using a gift card.
History of Costco
The company dates back to 1976, when Sol Price founded Price Club in San Diego, California. Initially, the company focused exclusively on serving business customers, but over time, it expanded its strategy to include individual consumers through a membership system.
In 1983, Sinegal and Jeff Brotman founded Costco Wholesale in Seattle, Washington. The company grew rapidly, reaching $3 billion in sales in just six years.
In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged, forming PriceCostco, which had 206 stores and annual sales of $16 billion. Eventually, in 1997, the company adopted its current name: Costco Wholesale.
The company’s operational strategy focuses on maintaining low costs and passing those savings onto its members by offering a limited selection of products characterized by quality, price, brand, and distinctive features. Its membership model has been a differentiating factor in the retail industry. Today, Costco has a global presence in key markets and has surpassed $64 billion in annual sales.
