Are you someone who loves the unbeatable deals and bulk buying convenience that Costco offers? Or perhaps you’re on the lookout for a Costco to open near you to take advantage of its famous $4.99 rotisserie chickens, 72-pound cheese wheels, or massive savings on everyday essentials.
Well, you’re in luck! Costco is expanding its footprint in 2024, with plans to open several new stores across the U.S., making the membership-only warehouse even more accessible to more people.
In this article, we will explore where these new stores are set to open, how Costco’s business model works, and why getting a Costco membership may or may not be the best decision for you. Let’s dive into the details.
Where Are The New Costco Locations In 2024?
As of August 2024, Costco had 884 warehouses worldwide, with 611 of those located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
If you’re living in one of the following cities, your local shopping options are about to expand considerably. Here are the confirmed new Costco locations opening in the U.S. by the end of 2024:
- Bend, Oregon: Opening in October 2024
- Napa, California: Opening in October 2024
- Pleasanton, California: Opening in October 2024
- Madison, Alabama: Opening in November 2024
These stores will join a list of other recently opened Costco locations, including Covington, Louisiana; Ridgefield, Washington; and Tomball, Texas, which began serving customers earlier in August 2024.
In addition to expanding within the United States, Costco is growing its presence internationally.
New warehouses have opened or are slated to open soon in countries like South Korea, Japan, Spain, and Mexico, continuing the company’s global reach.
What To Know About Shopping At Costco
Before you rush to the nearest Costco, it’s essential to know how the store operates, what makes it unique, and what you should be aware of when considering membership.
1. Costco Membership is Required
To shop at Costco, you’ll need to become a member. Costco offers two tiers of annual membership:
- Gold Star and Business Membership: Priced at $65 annually.
- Executive Membership: Costs $130 annually and includes additional benefits such as 2% rewards on eligible Costco purchases, which can help you save more if you’re a frequent shopper.
In September 2024, Costco raised its membership prices, so it’s essential to consider if the cost aligns with your shopping needs.
2. Membership Sharing is Limited
Unlike other stores, Costco is cracking down on membership sharing. Members are required to scan their membership cards at the entrance of the store, ensuring that only the cardholder (and up to two guests) can enter.
However, only the member can make purchases, so guests accompanying you won’t be able to buy anything unless they have their own membership.
3. Payment is Limited to Visa Credit Cards
Another unique feature of Costco is its payment policy. The warehouse club only accepts Visa credit cards for payment, along with other options like PIN-based ATM and debit cards, cash, checks, and Costco Shop Cards (which function like gift cards).
Make sure to check whether you have a Visa card before planning your next trip to the store.
4. You Don’t Always Need a Membership
There are some exceptions to the membership requirement. If you need to fill a prescription, get an eye exam, or buy alcohol (in certain states), you can shop at Costco without a membership.
However, for most other products, you’ll need to be a card-carrying member.
Should You Join Costco? Things To Consider Before Getting A Membership
If you’re debating whether Costco is worth the annual membership fee, ask yourself the following questions to decide if the savings justify the cost.
Is Costco Close Enough for Frequent Shopping?
One of the key factors in whether a Costco membership is worth it is the distance from your home.
If you have to drive over an hour to get to the nearest Costco, the time and gas required may offset the savings you get on products.
On the other hand, if you live near one of the new Costco locations opening in 2024, it could be a game-changer for your grocery shopping.
Do You Buy in Bulk?
Costco specializes in selling items in bulk, which is great for large families or people who like to stock up on non-perishable items.
However, if you live alone or in a small household with limited storage space, buying giant packages of groceries may not be practical or cost-effective.
Impulse Buying: Are You Likely to Overspend?
Costco is filled with great deals on everything from food to electronics to furniture—and even saunas and remote-controlled toilets! But with so many deals under one roof, you might be tempted to buy items you don’t need.
If you’re prone to impulse spending, consider whether a Costco membership might cause you to overspend.
What You Can Expect At A New Costco Store
So, what makes Costco so popular among its millions of members? Here are a few benefits that keep shoppers coming back time and again.
1. Unbeatable Deals
One of the main reasons people love shopping at Costco is the savings. Whether you’re buying food, electronics, or household goods, Costco’s bulk pricing often leads to significant discounts compared to regular grocery stores.
2. Quality Products
Despite the low prices, Costco is known for its quality. Their Kirkland Signature brand often rivals name-brand products at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, with Costco’s generous return policy, you can return products if you’re not satisfied—no questions asked.
3. Diverse Product Range
Costco isn’t just about groceries. You can buy furniture, appliances, clothing, tires, and even vacations through their travel department.
The product variety makes it easy to do one-stop shopping for all your needs.
4. Rotisserie Chicken for $4.99
Costco’s famous rotisserie chickens are not only a great deal at $4.99, but they’re also delicious! Many shoppers visit the store specifically to pick up this popular item, which has earned a cult following.
Final Thoughts
With four new Costco locations opening in 2024 across the U.S., more shoppers will gain access to the store’s exclusive deals, bulk items, and convenient services.
However, before rushing to get a membership, consider how often you’ll shop there, whether buying in bulk fits your lifestyle, and if you’re likely to save enough to offset the annual membership cost.
Ultimately, Costco offers a variety of unique benefits, from high-quality products and unbeatable prices to its in-house Kirkland Signature brand.
Whether you’re restocking household essentials or shopping for specialty items, Costco has something for everyone—especially with new locations on the way.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons of membership and your shopping habits, you can determine whether a Costco membership is the right investment for your household.
