Costco looking to open 14 new UK stores - full list of potential sites

16 August 2023 , 12:18

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The warehouse chain is looking to open 14 new stores in the UK (Image: Derby Telegraph/Simon Deacon)

Costco is planning to open 14 new stores in the UK over the next two years.

The wholesale warehouse chain is currently looking at locations across the country. A Costco source told The Sun that the chain was hoping to open the new sites "as soon as possible" - although some openings could be delayed if the acquisitions take longer than planned.

The warehouse chain has partnered with property development company Chase Commercial to find and convert the new sites. Chase Commercial said it was looking for six to 12 acre sites to provide 150,000 sq ft buildings with 650 parking spaces.

Costco is also looking for sites which would allow them the ability to develop a petrol filling and electric vehicle station. The retailer is looking at opening warehouses in the following locations, although nothing is confirmed just yet:

• Chelmsford
• Colchester
• Exeter
• Oxford
• Cambridge
• Maidstone
• Brighton
• Portsmouth
• Bournemouth / Poole
• Preston
• South Glasgow
• South East London
• Wolverhampton / North West Birmingham
• South West Birmingham

Justin Parker, director at Chase Commercial, told the newspaper: "We are really pleased to be partnered with Costco Wholesale UK to deliver further warehouse clubs for them throughout the UK."

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Costco is a chain retail store that sells items in bulk. It also sells its own brand items under the name Kirkland. Costco differs from other stores as you need to be a member to be able to shop there.

It’s important to note that not everyone actually qualifies for a Costco warehouse membership, if you want to shop in stores - you’ll need to be a current or retired employee of a specific job role which includes banking, finance, medical, civil service or education. You can find the full list of jobs which qualify you on its website here.

If you want to shop just online, then there are no job requirements. Costco membership starts from £15 a year for online shopping only. This rises to £33.60 a year for individual members who want access to the warehouses.

There are also trade memberships for businesses starting at £26.40 a year. Each membership also includes a free membership card for spouses and those who live together.

Costco has recently announced that it is opening a new site in Gloucester. The new store will be based on a derelict site off Eastern Avenue in the city. There has not been a confirmed date on when this site will open to the public.

Costco currently has 29 stores across the UK, the 15 proposed new stores. which includes the new site in Gloucester, would take its total to 44. Chase Commercial has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.

Ruby Flanagan