Asheville, are you ready? Because things are moving. The site for a potential Costco in West Asheville is graded, prepped, and poised for the next phase. The footers will go in soon, and if history is any indicator, once Costco breaks ground, the construction moves fast.
Our region has been waiting for this moment. The Asheville & Western North Carolina community is buzzing with excitement — not just for the convenience and deals, but for the jobs, the economic lift, and the bigger signal: we’re open for growth.
🏷 A Brief History: How Costco Became the Retail Powerhouse
To understand why this matters, let’s look at how Costco built itself into the company it is today:
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The roots of Costco trace back to 1976, when Price Club opened in San Diego — a membership-based warehouse serving primarily businesses.
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Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman launched the first Costco warehouse in Seattle, 1983.
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In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged, creating the combined operations under what would become the modern Costco brand.
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Costco’s operating philosophy has stayed remarkably consistent: keep overhead low, pass savings to members, focus on high-turn, limited SKUs, and offer value on essentials and bulk goods.
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Today, Costco is one of the largest and most respected retailers globally, known not only for its product offerings, but for strong employee wages, benefits, and member loyalty.
Because of this track record, whenever Costco enters a new region, their footprint tends to reshape the retail landscape — and they often bring broader benefits to the communities that welcome them.
🛒 Where Costco Is Expanding — The National Landscape
Costco isn’t slowing down its growth:
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New warehouses and expansions are happening in multiple states in 2025. (The company has announced dozens of new locations this year.)
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Many proposals across the U.S. include full-scale offerings: tire centers, fuel stations, robust warehouse footprints, and ancillary services. (These elements are already part of the Asheville proposal.)
So yes — when Costco commits, they often go big. This isn’t a small store move. It’s a regional anchor.
📍 Update: It’s Official — Costco Has Submitted Their Application for Asheville
As of September 9, 2025, Costco has formally submitted its application for conditional zoning and site development for its proposed site in the Enka-Candler area of Asheville. 🙌
This isn’t speculation — it’s real.
The application is currently under review by the City of Asheville’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) — a major step toward making the project a reality.
The proposed site includes:
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📍 ~25 acres off Enka Heritage Parkway
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🏗 A ~152,000 sq. ft. warehouse
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⛽ A 32-pump fuel station
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🛞 A Costco Tire Center
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🚗 839 parking spaces
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⏳ And thoughtful integration of the historic Enka Clock Tower
This is more than progress — this is momentum. And Asheville is ready.
🌱 How Costco Has Historically Lifted Neighboring Businesses & Communities
When Costco enters a city, it tends to do more than just open another store. Here’s how it can positively ripple through the local economy:
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Increased foot traffic
Adjacent shops, restaurants, and service businesses often benefit from the spillover of customers who come early, shop meals, or stop by for related services.
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Job creation
Costco typically hires dozens (if not hundreds) of employees, often offering strong wages and benefits — which in turn circulates income in the local economy.
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Competitive pressure
Local grocers and retailers often respond by upgrading operations, improving services, and sharpening their product offerings — lifting overall standards.
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Infrastructure improvements
Large developments tend to require road upgrades, improved utilities, stormwater control, and sometimes greenway or sidewalk enhancements — which benefit the broader region.
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Anchor effect
A big name store can help make nearby land more attractive for investment, leading to more development, infill, and revitalization.
In other words: Costco doesn’t just build a store — it often builds opportunity around it.
🎉 Let’s Go, Asheville — It’s Time
This is the moment local communities have been waiting for. The plans are on the table. The site is ready. The idea is no longer a dream — it’s soon to be a reality.
To the leadership at Costco:
Thank you for choosing Asheville & WNC for your next chapter. We’re ready for you. Let’s build something that serves people, sustains community, and transforms this region for good.
To locals, entrepreneurs, neighboring businesses, and stakeholders:
Engage. Ask questions. Participate. Because your voice can help ensure this becomes not just a Costco, but our Costco — built right for Asheville.
Let’s go. Let’s build. Let’s thrive together.
🌄 As Asheville Grows, So Should You.
Our city is moving — expanding, building, attracting national attention. But here’s the truth: you won’t grow with it if you’re stuck behind media gatekeepers, gossip circles, and self-appointed “experts” who are more focused on clout than real results.
They’re holding you back.
And deep down, you know it.
If you’re ready to cut through the noise, drop the drama, and finally build a brand, business, or presence that matches your potential — talk to us.
📈 Strategy.
🎯 Substance.
💬 Storytelling that actually connects.
No more fluff. No more followers who don’t convert. No more being boxed out of the spotlight you earned.
👇 Fill out the form and let’s build something real — together.
You deserve more than “just good enough.”
