COSTCO is opening a new warehouse in California, set to be one of the world’s largest.
One store location is closing as it relocates across town.
The members-only wholesaler is shutting its northwest Fresno store to replace it with a 219,000-square foot warehouse, SFGate reported.
That’s larger than their average size of 146,000 square feet, the California paper said.
Costco received approval from the city council last week after the company agreed to traffic calming measures.
The store at West Shaw Avenue is expected to shut down.
The replacement location will be a larger store at North Riverside Drive and West Herndon Avenue, according to Fresnoland.
That’s about four miles away from the current spot.
BIG PLANS
In addition to a larger store, Costco is planning to add several new features to its West Herndon Ave store.
The store will include a 32-pump gas station attached to its parking lot.
It will also have a car wash and a dedicated delivery service.
That could mean faster service for those looking to shop from home.
An area land use consultant told Fresnoland the store’s gas station would have longer operating hours than the store, in order to prevent traffic backups during peak shopping hours.
A gas station currently located at the West Shaw Ave store is expected to remain open after the store leaves.
RETAIL EXPANSION
Costco isn’t the only retailer changing its footprint.
Walmart is building dozens of new stores nationwide.
It’s opening or converting 150 stores.
Conversions include turning ordinary Walmarts into larger “supercenters.”
How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
BELOW are some tips on how to reduce the amount you spend on groceries.
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
The company’s CEO recently said it would remodel nearly 1,000 stores.
The remodeled stores include showrooms and new designs.
Costco locations in New Orleans and Orlando have sparked criticism over a new food policy.
The stores will only allow members to shop at its iconic cheap food court.
Some have recently called Costco’s return policies into question after a shopper returned half-eaten food.
Another shopper recently returned a printer after years.