Rumours have been circulating since last year, but this week US wholesale giant, Costco, has confirmed it is opening its latest store in Gloucester, at the former Interbrew site off Eastern Avenue.
The search for a suitable site has been in progress for some time, with Evesham-based property developers Chase Commercial, alongside commercial real estate brokers Colliers, finally acquiring Centric Park for Costco Wholesale — an 11.5 acre site off the A38 opposite Homebase — with clearing work already underway in preparation for groundwork to begin.
It is welcome news for families and businesses in Gloucestershire — with the nearest Costco stores currently in Bristol and Birmingham.
Costco began life as a trade-only wholesaler, but in recent decades has soared in popularity with families seeking big brand names with significant discounts.
The new store will create a significant number of jobs for the area once an opening date is confirmed and employment opportunities are released.
Director at Chase Commercial, Justin Parker, said: 'We are delighted to have secured this prominent site in Gloucester on behalf of Costco Wholesale. The deal is reflective of Costco’s performance track record and its ability to move decisively once suitable sites are identified. Costco is entirely self-funded.'
Costco is a membership-based store, meaning that, to buy in-store, shoppers have to sign up for a membership card. However, in-store shopping memberships are limited to certain employment groups.
To be accepted you must be over 18 and a current or retired employee of industries such as banking, local government, emergency services, education, post office, airlines, armed forces, health services and insurance. But individuals who don't qualify can buy an online subscription for internet-only shopping.
Annual membership fees start at £33.60 for an individual household card, £26.40 for a trade card or £15 for online-only shopping.
Costco currently has 29 stores across the UK, with the search still on for 14 more sites.
