Costco ‘evaluating’ Idaho Falls area
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IDAHO FALLS — Rumors about a Costco coming to Idaho Falls or Ammon have been swirling around for the last several years.
City officials have played down those rumors in the past, but the idea of a Costco opening in Idaho Falls could be a possibility again.
Brent Wilson, the co-owner of Planet Doom, is also a local real estate broker who works with Costco. After EastIdahoNews.com asked him about the rumor, he said the retail giant is looking at the Idaho Falls area again.
“My agreement with Costco stipulates I can’t discuss their expansion plans with the press,” Wilson wrote in a message to EastIdahoNews.com. “They are currently evaluating the Idaho Falls market, but that is all I can say.”
Idaho Falls
The city of Idaho Falls officials would not comment on whether Costco has been in contact with them, but Dana Briggs, the economic development coordinator for the city, says they would welcome a Costco in city limits.
“We work hard to be appealing to all companies that consider locating in our community and would welcome a Costco with enthusiasm should they choose to consider Idaho Falls,” Briggs says. “We think that Idaho Falls would be an ideal market for a company like this and we would be excited to work with them if a decision were made to locate here.”
RELATED: Ammon mayor addresses Costco rumors
Some of the biggest business growth in Idaho Falls has been centered on Jackson Hole Junction and Snake River Landing in the past several years.
Ammon
Micah Austin, the city administrator for Ammon, says Costco has not spoken with the city about opening a Costco in city limits, but officials are open to the idea.
“The city of Ammon would welcome Costco with open arms and do everything we can to make them a successful business,” Austin says.
Ammon has also seen a lot of business growth recently, particularly along Hitt Road, where there is a lot of vacant commercial space. Austin says Sandcreek Commons or farmland at the intersection of Hitt and First Street would be an ideal location for Costco.
Elsewhere in Idaho
Pocatello has a Costco, and many people in Idaho Falls and surrounding communities make the drive to shop there. Costco also has stores in Boise, Nampa, Coeur d’Alene and Twin Falls, and one is being built in Meridian.
RELATED: Costco design approved at Meridian City Council meeting
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