DAYTONA BEACH ― The anticipation is palpable as construction commences for the highly-awaited arrival of Costco Wholesale Club at One Daytona, the bustling entertainment and retail complex strategically located across from the iconic Daytona International Speedway. This new addition is set to transform the shopping landscape of Daytona Beach, and locals are eagerly awaiting the grand unveiling. Let’s dive into the exciting details of this retail giant’s foray into the heart of Volusia County.
A Retail Giant Unleashed: It’s Going to Be Big
Costco, the Issaquah, Washington-based wholesale membership club chain, is gearing up to create a retail haven in Daytona Beach. The ambitious plans involve the development of a staggering 161,774-square-foot single-story store sprawling across 17 acres on the northwest portion of the One Daytona parking lot, adjacent to the CMX Daytona Luxury 12 Theatres multiplex. Comparisons are already being drawn to other wholesale club stores in the area, and it’s clear that Costco is stepping in with a force to be reckoned with. To put it in perspective, the rival Sam’s Club at Tomoka Town Center measures up at 140,000 square feet, while the BJ’s Wholesale store in Port Orange stands at 85,000 square feet. Brace yourselves for a shopping experience like no other!
Fueling Up for Savings: Costco’s Gas Station Unveiled
Costco is not just about incredible deals on bulk items; it’s also bringing its members-only gas station to Daytona Beach. The plans submitted to the city include an impressive 24-fueling-position gas station, making it one of the largest in the area. Sam’s Club has a members-only gas station with 16 fueling positions, and BJ’s Wholesale follows with 12. Shoppers are already buzzing with excitement, knowing that they can save big at the pumps just like their counterparts in Altamonte Springs, where Costco boasts the cheapest fuel prices in town, according to GasBuddy.com. So, get ready to fill up your tanks without emptying your wallets!
Countdown to Opening: Early 2024 Targeted
As the cranes work their magic and the walls begin to rise, we can’t help but count down the days until we can finally step foot inside Costco’s newest haven. One Daytona President, Roxanne Ribakoff, has confirmed that the grand opening is slated for early 2024, and locals are marking their calendars. In the meantime, residents are buzzing with excitement, eagerly discussing the potential benefits and job opportunities that Costco’s presence will bring to the community.
Boosting the Local Economy: Job Opportunities Galore
Costco’s arrival at One Daytona is more than just a retail event; it’s a game-changer for the local economy. With a typical staff of approximately 500 employees at each store, the Daytona location is expected to create hundreds of new job opportunities for the community. From cashiers to shelf stockers, from customer service representatives to managers, Costco’s commitment to its employees is well-known, offering competitive wages, extensive benefits, and opportunities for growth within the company. As the region recovers from recent economic challenges, the influx of jobs and economic activity is a much-needed boost for Daytona Beach and its residents.
Continued Growth: One Daytona’s Evolution
One Daytona has been on an exciting journey of growth and transformation since its inception in late 2016. With the addition of Costco, it marks the ninth phase of development for this vibrant entertainment and retail destination. The center already boasts over 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, and that’s not even counting the two hotels and luxury apartment complexes. One Daytona’s master plan includes the potential to expand to an impressive 1.6 million square feet, a vision that promises to bring even more excitement and opportunities to the region.
Investment in Infrastructure: A Shared Responsibility
As we gear up for the arrival of Costco, it’s essential to understand the financial support behind this grand project. While NASCAR privately owns One Daytona and has invested over $100 million in developing the entertainment, retail, and dining portions, they have also collaborated with Shaner Hotels and Prime Hospitality Group to invest an additional $80 million in building two hotels and the ICON luxury apartments. Additionally, Daytona Beach and Volusia County taxpayers have contributed $40 million for infrastructure improvements, including new roads and utility lines, to make this project a reality. Moreover, consumers contribute with a 1% private “enhanced amenities” fee when shopping or dining at One Daytona.
A Beacon of Community Involvement: Costco’s Commitment
Costco’s involvement extends far beyond just business; it has a heart for the community. In every location they set foot, Costco is committed to making a positive impact through community involvement and giving back. Their generous donations to charitable organizations are impressive; in 2020 alone, they designated one percent of all pretax profit, totaling $48 million, to local charitable causes across all their locations. From supporting education through their Volunteer Reading Program to aiding hunger relief efforts with donations of food and cash grants, Costco has proven time and again that they are more than just a retailer.
Groundbreaking 2023: Preparing for the Future
With every shovel in the ground, the future becomes more tangible, and the excitement grows. Costco is set to break ground on the One Daytona location in 2023, just one step closer to the realization of this dream project. More details and progress updates will be released as the project unfolds, building anticipation for the day when the doors of the retail giant swing open, welcoming shoppers from far and wide.
A Shopping Extravaganza on the Horizon: Embrace the Retail Magic
As Daytona Beach prepares to welcome Costco Wholesale to its retail landscape, the sense of anticipation is electrifying. From incredible deals and unbeatable savings to job opportunities and community involvement, Costco brings with it a retail magic that promises to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. As the cranes continue to rise and the countdown begins, get ready for the shopping extravaganza of a lifetime at One Daytona. The future is bright, the savings are real, and the community is buzzing with excitement. Prepare to embrace the retail magic, Daytona Beach, because the wait is almost over!
