Costco ran into problems earlier this week when some Florida residents showed up at a neighborhood information meeting. More than 250 people attended the meeting, with most
opposed to Costco's plans for a new warehouse club in Naples, its second in Collier County. It's not the first time the warehouse club has run into opposition in Florida. In 2021, a 49-acre
project planned for years in Martin County — which included a 162,020-square-foot Costco warehouse store and 18-pump gas station — finally won approval from Stuart city commissioners, after an
8-hour meeting. The Martin County store is scheduled to
open in the spring. Here's what to know about Costco.
How many Costco Warehouse locations are in Florida?
According to Costco's website, there are
33 stores in Florida. New Costco opening in Florida, with warehouse club planning 9 new stores in 2025
In case you're wondering, Costco membership cards are
valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide .
What state has the most Costco Warehouse locations?
What is Costco?
Costco is a wholesale club, similar to Sam's Club and BJ's. To shop, you must be a member. "Our operating philosophy has been simple.
Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members. Our large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with our never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best possible prices for our members," the company said on its website.
When did Costco first open?
The company's first location was in 1976, under the name
Price Club , in a converted airplane hangar in San Diego. It served businesses only, according to the company's website. In 1983, the
first Costco warehouse was opened in Seattle to serve "a selected audience of non-business members."
You won't find everything at Costco, but there's a reason for that
"
Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. "By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members," the company said.
How much does it cost to shop at Costco? Membership options
Costco has
two levels of membership available, which is required to be able to shop at the warehouse. You must be
16 or older to apply for a Costco membership . The second card is available for those over 16 and living at the same address.
Do you have to be a Costco member to eat at the food court?
Bargain hot dogs and a large drink for $1.50 or that $1.99 slice of pizza won't be available unless you're a Costco member. The company
changed its open-door policy for the food court in April 2024.
Does Costco have a rewards program?
Yes, if you purchased the executive membership. Members can earn an annual 2% reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco purchases.
Where is the largest Costco?
The
largest Costco in the world is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, with just over 235,000 square feet, according to WorldRecordAcademy. The average Costco warehouse is 146,000 square feet.
What other items and services are available at Costco?
While there are plenty of bulk options available at Costco, you can also buy electronics, clothing, home furnishings, flower bouquets and even engagement rings. "Single-person households also find great savings when purchasing gasoline, new tires, or personal care, such as eye exams, eyeglasses or hearing aids," Costco said.
Costco Services offers several options for your home or business, including: auto and home insurance, Costco auto program, pet insurance, bottled water delivery, personal and business checks, payment processing solutions and business health insurance.
