Beaufort County Still Waiting for Costco: What You Need to Know!
Hey there, Beaufort County! The buzz around town about a possible Costco opening in the area has been as loud as a Saturday morning farmers market, but it looks like shoppers looking for a 17-pound wheel of English Blue Cheese, nearly 3 pounds of Nesquick chocolate milk powder, or even 11 pounds of Wagyu beef will have to hold their horses for a bit longer. Grab your calendars and some patience, everyone!
Rumors in the Air
The conversation about a Costco coming to Okatie Crossing off S.C. 170 and U.S. 278 has been floating around for years, with community members buzzing both positively and negatively. Some locals are stoked about the potential for bulk shopping and those unbeatable deals, while others fret about how a big box store could impact local mom-and-pop shops. It’s a spicy debate that has kept many residents on their toes!
Latest News on New Locations
Recently, Costco let us in on their plans for new locations, but sadly, Beaufort County didn’t make the cut, at least not in the immediate future. The wholesale retailer announced six new warehouse sites set to open by March 2025. So if you had your sights set on the Lowcountry for your shopping fix, you might want to adjust your expectations. Those shiny new Costcos will be popping up in:
- Brentwood, CA
- Genesee County, MI
- Highland, CA
- Prosper, TX
- Sharon, MA
- Weatherford, TX
But here’s the kicker: this list may not be the end of it. Costco has several locations already under construction in places like Stuart, FL and Midland, TX, which didn’t make the announcement cut. When asked about future openings beyond three months, Costco simply held its cards close to the chest. Looks like we’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed!
What Happened in Okatie? A Little Backstory
Developer Doug Horne, who’s the head honcho over at Horne Properties, discussed the potential deal back in early 2019. Unfortunately, he shared that the talks hit a snag due to costs, leaving hopeful shoppers disappointed. It’s a familiar feeling for those who have been eagerly watching the Costco saga unfold over the years.
Where’s the Nearest Costco? Glad You Asked!
If you can’t wait for that Costco experience right in Beaufort County, you’ll need to pack your bags and head west to Pooler, GA, where the closest location is waiting for you. For those who feel like hitting the road a little further, there are also Costco stores in Mt. Pleasant and Charleston, SC. Just don’t forget to bring your membership card!
A Look at What’s Next
In a recent earnings call, Costco’s Chief Financial Officer, Gary Millerchip, dropped the news that 26 new warehouses are planned for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. Twelve of those spots will be outside the U.S., which is exciting for global Costco fans, but not so much for Beaufort County residents dreaming of that sweet membership deal.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, Beaufort County! It looks like the wait for a local Costco is still dragging on, and while some folks may be feeling blue about the situation, there’s always the promise of future developments. In the meantime, keep that grocery list handy, support your local businesses, and let’s hope for some good news in the near future!
