Costco plans warehouse in a new state as others await their first store

(NEXSTAR) – It’s finally happening: Rhode Island is getting access to the $1.50 hot dog combo , rotisserie chickens , and warehouse shopping.

That’s right, Costco is planning its first-ever warehouse in Rhode Island. Helena Foulkes, a candidate for Rhode Island governor and a member of Costco’s board, confirmed the news to Nexstar’s WPRI on Thursday. The store is expected to open in Smithfield, just outside of Providence, in 2028, thwarting the need for Rhode Islanders to drive to Massachusetts to use their Costco membership.

Rhode Island was among the last uncharted territories for Costco . As of October 2026, only two other states, West Virginia and Wyoming, are still awaiting their inaugural Costco.

They may not have to wait much longer, however.

Back in March, CEO Ron Vachris said the company aims to open 30 or more warehouses annually over the next five to 10 years , echoing remarks from CFO Gary Millerchip. Roughly half would be new warehouses in the U.S., while the others would be worldwide. Vachris mentioned Mexico, Canada, Asia, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as sites for future warehouses.

In September, Vachris shared that the bulk retailer expects to open 33 new warehouses in fiscal year 2027 , though five are considered “relocations.” While it’s not entirely clear where these new stores will be, Vachris said five will be in Canada, four in Europe, and one in Mexico.

“We continue to see significant opportunities for new warehouse growth, including new U.S. markets such as Buffalo, New York, and Lawrence, Kansas, infills in our more mature U.S. markets, as well as international markets in which we operate,” Vachris added during an earnings call.

There are 14 warehouses opening — 10 in the U.S. — across October and November, according to Costco. The retailer hasn’t shared store openings beyond that; it doesn’t comment on locations that are opening more than three months into the future, according to the New York Post .

Local reporting, however, shows Costco has been working to bring warehouses to places like Downey, California , which approved a plan for a new Costco earlier this year. Plans for warehouses in Charleston County, South Carolina , and Hillsborough County, Florida , were also submitted over the summer.

Efforts have also been underway in Fresno, California ; Lake St. Louis , Missouri; Southborough , Massachusetts; Silver Spring , Maryland; Scottsdale , Arizona; and Des Plaines , Illinois. The latter is anticipated to be a business center .

Costco has been experiencing a bit of a growth spurt this year , already opening stores in Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin (as well as Mexico and Taiwan).

Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.