The wait is over and the rumors have been confirmed. Costco has just taken a key step that will mark a turning point in the retail trade in the United States. Regular customers of this chain are in luck, as are new customers who will now be able to access its services more easily.
This is what happened in the city of Midland, Texas, which just a few days ago celebrated the opening of the largest Costco in the state. The store has a floor area of 167,917 sq. ft. (15,600 square meters).
This opening has not only revolutionized the local commercial landscape, but has also exposed its main competitor, Walmart, by offering a more complete experience. According to Mayor Lori Blong, "Costco was the most demanded store," which shows the high level of interest it caused among residents.
Costco holds a grand opening
Thousands of people came to the new store on opening day, July 10, eagerly waiting for the signal to enter. The atmosphere was festive, not only because of the excitement of shopping, but also because of what it means for Midland's growth. The mayor highlighted that 45% of the city's retail sales come from visitors, and this Costco will be a major draw for them, reports Midland Reporter-Telegram.
The manager, Nathan Hawk, explained that the hiring process was quite a challenge. They received 3,900 job applications, conducted 1,200 preliminary interviews, and finally hired 210 people. "We're fully staffed," Hawk said, noting that the community's response has been overwhelming.
The store is creating a ripple effect, attracting interest from other sectors such as restaurants, entertainment, and hospitality. The economic impact is expected to be positive and long-lasting, benefiting the entire region. It's not just another store, but a driver of commercial dynamism.
Benefits for Costco members
For regular customers of the chain, this new store is excellent news. Victoria Garza, a local resident, acknowledged that she used to have to drive for two hours to reach the nearest Costco. "I'm excited not to have to make that trip," she said while shopping with her family.
Verónica, another loyal customer, traveled from Odessa to visit the new store. She said she has had a membership card since the Lubbock branch opened and that whenever they're near Costco, they take the opportunity to go in and shop. She also admitted that she frequently shops online, including buying clothes for her children.
In addition to proximity, consumers value the quality of the products and the competitive prices that Costco offers. With this opening, many will change their shopping habits and will likely reduce their visits to other chains, such as Walmart, which now finds itself in a difficult position. The commercial battle is on.