Costco is shaking up its retail game with bold plans for alternative store layouts in 2026 that could redefine how you shop.
According to The US Sun, this warehouse giant is rolling out unique formats, including expanded Business Centers and specialized stores, while also planning new standard locations and standalone facilities in 2025.
Let’s start with what’s already out there. Costco operates over 630 locations across the U.S., and some already deviate from the norm.
Take the Alaska store, for instance. It sells only furniture and appliances, with no option for in-store pickup—everything must be shipped to your home.
These variations hint at Costco’s willingness to experiment. It’s a smart move, catering to niche markets while maintaining their bulk-buying empire.
Now, let’s look ahead to 2025. Costco plans to open at least 35 new standard warehouses, pushing its global store count to 914 by year’s end.
Between August and October this year, seven new locations popped up in states like Florida, Michigan, and Texas. They’re also launching a standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, come spring 2025, about 47 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
This isn’t just about more of the same. Costco’s growth strategy reflects a balance of traditional expansion and innovative thinking—something wealth-builders should watch. But the real game-changer arrives in 2026 with alternative layouts. These “secret store layouts” will target select areas in the U.S. and Canada, tailored to specific customer needs.
Among these are Costco Business Centers, designed for offices, restaurants, and retailers. Open to all members, these centers focus on bulk business supplies and commercial-grade products.
Unlike standard warehouses, Business Centers skip household extras like clothing or pharmacy services. Instead, they offer large quantities of office furniture, produce, meat, and frozen goods, with online ordering for delivery.
They even open earlier—around 7:00 AM local time—to suit small business schedules. With 25 in the U.S. in cities like Dallas and Miami, and 6 in Canada, Costco sees huge growth potential here.
“We’re doing this to meet the needs of our members,” said Lasley, Costco’s director of real estate development. It’s a pragmatic approach, prioritizing efficiency over one-size-fits-all retail.
CEO Ron Vachris echoed this during a recent earnings call, highlighting Canada’s growth. He noted plans to accelerate Business Center openings there, leveraging existing warehouse spaces in the U.S. for conversions.
Vachris also sees “significant opportunities” for expansion in current markets. For investors, this signals a company balancing innovation with frugality—using old spaces smartly while eyeing global growth. If you’re building wealth, consider how Costco’s stock might benefit from this calculated expansion.