The American wholesale retail giant was granted permission last December
Building work taking place at Eastern Avenue ahead of the new Costco store
Work has finally begun on the construction of a massive new Costco store along one of Gloucester’s busiest roads. The American wholesale retail giant received permission last December to build a new store in Barnwood, complete with an 18-bay petrol station and tyre-fitting shop.
However, for much of 2025, little progress was seen at the former Interbrew site off Eastern Avenue.
Now, land clearance is underway at the long-vacant site, which had been an eyesore for seven years. The new 13,109sqm store is expected to generate up to 250 jobs and will be situated on a bustling road already home to McDonald’s, Starbucks, Lidl, Halfords, The Range, PureGym and the AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Park.
When the plans were initially discussed by Gloucester City Council, Costco executives stated that the new store would result in significant investment in the city. The site had originally been designated for use as a pub, a Burger King and a DIY store.
Building work taking place at Eastern Avenue ahead of the new Costco storeA CGI of the CostCo(Image: Copyright Unknown)
The opening date for the new Costco store remains unknown, as the company typically keeps information about new stores under wraps. It’s important to note that when Costco opens in Gloucester, it won’t simply be a case of anyone popping in to fill their trolleys with bargains, reports Gloucestershire Live.
As a membership store, not everyone will qualify to shop there once it opens off Eastern Avenue.
Certain professions qualify you for membership (you can find a list here), which allows you to shop at Costco warehouses, whether you’re currently in that role or retired. Individual membership costs £33.60 annually, but anyone can join as an online member for £15 a year for home deliveries.
However, once you’re accepted as a member, there are specific rules you must adhere to. These include policies on bringing guests and the requirement to show your shopping receipt upon exiting the warehouse.
Costco Shopping Rules.
Am I allowed to bring a non-member friend?
Each time you shop, you’re permitted to bring two guests per member into the warehouse, but only Costco members can make purchases.
Why do I need to present my membership card at the warehouse entrance?
As our members pay a fee to shop at Costco, we only allow Costco members to shop. Your photo is on the card because it’s exclusively for your use and cannot be transferred.
What are the opening hours?
The Bristol Costco, located at St Brendans Way, Avonmouth, opens for individual members from 11am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday; Saturdays from 9.30am to 6.30pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Opening times vary for trade and executive members.
What payment methods does Costco accept?
We accept cash, cheques and all major debit and credit cards including American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Maestro.
What is the Costco Concierge Service?
Costco Concierge Service offers members complimentary technical support for any television, projector, camera, camcorder, computer, tablet PC or MP3 player purchased at Costco.
Why are you asked to present your receipts upon exiting the warehouse?
This is our most effective method of ensuring inventory control accuracy. It’s beneficial for both us and our members.
This practice helps verify that you’ve received everything you paid for and haven’t been overcharged or undercharged for any item.
Why don’t we have express lines?
The reason is twofold. Firstly, our members typically buy a large number of products during their shopping visits to our warehouses.
On average, a typical member purchases around 14 items each time they shop with us worldwide. Secondly, operating an express checkout line incurs additional overhead costs, which would increase our business expenses.
Why don’t we have dressing rooms?
We aim to stick to a no-frills policy, keeping our costs as low as possible. Dressing rooms require staffing and take up floor space that could be better used.
However, bear in mind our returns policy: if something doesn’t fit, simply return it for a full refund.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
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