Costco in Maine

I’m so excited to report that there will finally be a Costco in Maine.

That is, in 2022, the Scarborough Planning Board finally approved a proposal to build Maine’s first Costco location in Scarborough Downs.

The expected opening date is late 2023 or sometime in 2024.

However, Costco will not confirm the exact timing.

I discovered that Costco’s official party line is never to comment on a store’s opening until about three months before it actually does open.

Photo by Leah Ingram

Where will the Costco in Maine be located

As I mentioned Costco will be part of the shopping district at Scarborough Downs, part of the mixed use residential and commercial area that used to be part of the racetrack.

The actual location is at the intersection of Payne Road and Scarborough Downs Road.

You would use Exit 42 off the Maine Turnpike (aka 95) to access it.

In case you didn’t know, Scarborough is the next town south from Portland–well, South Portland.

So, if you wanted to know if there was a Costco in Portland, Maine, well, Scarborough is the closest you’re going to get.

Before this, if Mainers wanted to shop at Costco, they had to drive to Nashua, New Hampshire, or Danvers, Massachusetts.

What can I expect at this new Costco

According to this article in the Portland Press Herald, the Costco Wholesale Club store will not only be for shopping but also for getting gas.

Usually, wholesale club members can get gas onsite for cheaper than regular retail gas stations.

So expect to see long lines at the Costco gas station once it is open.

The warehouse itself will be about 160,000 square feet.

The Costco corporate website says that Costco stores range in size from 80,000 to 230,000 square feet, with the average being 146,000 square feet.

So, I’m guessing the Scarborough warehouse will be impressive to visit, once it opens.

Costco supports Maine businesses

Did you know that you can buy Maine-based brands in Costco?

For example, when shopping at a Costco location near Pittsburgh, we bought York-based Stonewall Kitchen’s blueberry preserves.

In addition, Costco sells Toms of Maine toothpaste as well as a ravioli featuring Maine lobster.

Reasons to join Costco

Photo by Leah Ingram

My husband and I have been Costco members since 2015, even though we’re never lived super close to a Costco location.

We find enough value in shopping at Costco that it is worth it to join versus other warehouse or wholesale clubs.

For example, did you know that Costco is the largest retailer of organic food in the United States?

Yeah, you would think Whole Foods would be number one. 

But, no, Costco is.

Also, we’ve found it is worth it to pay more for the Costco Executive membership.

Photo by Leah Ingram

Sure membership costs $120 vs $60.

However, you get 2% back annually based on what you buy at Costco.

Every year we more than make up that $60 difference with that 2% back.

Also, sign up for the Costco VISA card through Citibank.

There is no annual fee.

It also gives you cash back for purchases you make at Costco or anywhere else.

FYI, if you want to pay by credit card at Costco, they only accept VISA.

Other services available at Costco

Of course, you can buy home goods, food and gas at Costco.

In fact, when egg prices were at their highest, I found the best prices on eggs at Costco.

Photo by Leah Ingram

However, these are the other services you get with a Costco membership:

• Glasses and eye exams
• Hearing aids
• Pharmacy (though anyone can use the Costco pharmacy, not just members, especially for flu shots)
• Tires
• Auto services
• Travel agency
• Generator installation

Closed on holidays

Finally, Costco treats its employees well by closing on most major holidays.

In fact, I took this picture at a Costco near where we used to live.

It shows the holidays when the store is closed and the employees have the day off.

Photo by Leah Ingram