Southern Utah’s growth seems unstoppable. Now comes the opening of the state’s second Costco. Costco currently operates more than 882 stores, including just over 600 in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 100 in Canada. The company is therefore undergoing a period of renewal with the opening of its new locations by 2026. “I think Costco will be great there,” said Planning Commissioner Austin Anderson, echoing the sentiment of his commission colleagues last year.
In March, Costco will also open stores in Liberty Hill and Forney, Texas
In any case, this won’t be Costco’s only new development this year. Costco, the popular membership warehouse retailer famous for bulk goods and low prices, announced the opening of a new site. Specifically, Costco will open a store in California. In addition, it will open two branches in Texas, one in Florida, and one more in Utah. The opening plans include:
- W Roseville, CA – January 2026
- Liberty Hill, TX – March 2026
- Forney, TX – March 2026
- S St George, UT – March 2026
- North Visalia, CA – April 2026
- New Braunfels, TX – April 2026
- Winnipeg, MB Business Center – April 2026
Costco officials informed planning commissioners that the new building will be at least 160,000 square feet
The opening of this new branch has been anticipated since last year. Costco officials informed planning commissioners that the new building will be at least 160,000 square feet, and possibly even larger. This represents 12,000 square feet more than the first Costco, which opened across town at 835 N. 3050 East nearly a quarter of a century ago, according to local media. In March, Costco will also open stores in Liberty Hill and Forney, Texas, bringing its total number of locations in Texas to 42.
Costco has also been expanding its presence in Florida
“As we move forward with the master plan, the building could grow a bit more as we add more features inside… and then relocate the mechanical equipment,” said Stephen Cross, Costco’s director of real estate, adding that the store size could increase by between 1,000 and 4,000 square feet. Costco has also been expanding its presence in Florida, opening a new branch in Stuart last April and another in The Villages in August. In Utah, St. George was awarded the new Costco after winning a competitive bid against other cities in Washington County. Therefore, the location of the Costco that is about to open is no coincidence.
In Utah, as part of the winning bid, St. George offered an incentive package that defers up to $3.18 million in construction permits
Costco reported $66 billion in net sales for the quarter ending in November, according to Gary Miller, Costco’s chief financial officer, who spoke on a December earnings call on Thursday, December 11, as reported by local media. In Utah, as part of the winning bid, St. George offered an incentive package that defers up to $3.18 million in construction permits and impact fees, as well as public infrastructure and related costs, for 10 years. Costco’s growth represents an 8.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Membership revenue increased by 14%, according to Miller.
“Having another Costco will increase the city’s sales tax revenue and is one of the ways we can keep property taxes low” – Jimmie Hughes
Regarding Utah, “From an economic standpoint,” said Jimmie Hughes, a member of the St. George City Council, adding, “having another Costco will increase the city’s sales tax revenue and is one of the ways we can keep property taxes low. The great thing about sales taxes is that they are also paid by visitors, second-home owners in St. George, and residents of neighboring cities. So it’s a great return on our investment in Costco.” Therefore, expectations for this new opening are high in the state.