Costco doors to swing open in Columbia Aug. 10

Costco plans to open the doors at its first Midlands store on Aug. 10, the company said Tuesday.

Construction of the 153,000-square-foot warehouse retail center has been underway in northwest Columbia since December at the intersection of Piney Grove Road and Fernandina Road near Harbison.

The world’s second largest retailer, Costco is a popular members-only warehouse club that says it uses membership volume and efficient operations to leverage strong purchasing power on brand name merchandise. The company offers merchandise from home furnishings and electronics to grocery, tire and auto, and pharmacy needs. During its last fiscal year, which ended in August, Costco reported total sales topping $113 billion, according to the company’s website.

Headquartered in Issaquah, Wash., Costco has been a sought-after addition to the Midlands’ generally vibrant shopping scene. The area lagged behind nearby cities in attracting a Costco store. The Midlands has a metropolitan population approaching 1 million residents, supporting $2.8 billion in annual retail sales.

Costco has stores in four South Carolina cities including Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Greenville and Spartanburg. Costco also has stores in nearby Augusta, Ga., and Charlotte. Local developers have speculated that Costco will also add a store in the area’s bustling Killian Road region in northeast Richland.

Costco applied for its first building permit in Richland County in April 2015, then re-submitted new plans in August after those initial plans were rejected by the county.

The new Costco retail center will open on a 31-acre site off Interstate 26 at 507 Piney Grove Road. It is approved for up to 1,020 parking spaces with three access points in an already busy retail area.