Costco submits plans for fifth Miami-Dade location amid rising membership fees and tech upgrades
Miami-Dade County, Florida – Miami-Dade County is gearing up to welcome a new Costco store, a development that promises to expand shopping options for local residents. Marking a major step in the company’s expansion in the area, Costco Wholesale Corp. has just submitted a pre-application for a site west of Dolphin Mall.
Currently under contract, the 20-acre site lies at 11850 N.W. 22nd Street, next to Topgolf Doral. Should it be authorized, the store would cover slightly over 159,000 square feet, making it the fifth Costco to operate in the Miami-Dade region, Local 10 reported. Costco’s step is seen as a strategic attempt to take advantage of the exciting retail scene next to one of the largest shopping areas in the region.
This project comes after a significant deal last May when the Miami-Dade County Commission voted 8-to-5 in favor of selling a county-owned lot to developer Michael Swerdlow. Analysts have noted that the 17-acre unoccupied site at Southwest 190th Street and 108th Avenue sold for $8.1 million is far below the assessed value of the property. Originally owned by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), this property is also slated for construction of another Costco store, which would serve the southern section of the county.
Costco’s expansion ambitions coincide with other corporate developments. The retailer said last September that membership fees would rise: the base Gold Star membership now costs $65 yearly, up from $60, while the premium Executive membership has climbed from $120 to $130. Costco has also added entranceway membership scanning equipment to their facilities. These gadgets simplify the buying process and improve security measures by requiring members to scan their digital or physical membership cards before entrance.
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Costco’s decision to grow in Miami-Dade shows its trust in the economic development of the region and its dedication to offer more convenience to its members. Costco wants to be more involved in the community with these additional locations, so supporting local employment and helping to drive economic growth in addition to providing more shopping options.
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Residents and local authorities are closely monitoring the progress of the new Costco stores, hoping for the advantages these large-scale retail alternatives could provide to their areas.
