SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A new Costco — set to be the largest in Central Florida — could soon rise at the Seminole Towne Center, bringing with it the promise of new jobs, nearby housing, and a major boost in foot traffic for surrounding businesses.
The membership-based warehouse store is planned to take over the space once occupied by Macy’s at the mall. Plans show the new store would span more than 156,000 square feet, include 850 parking spaces, and feature the retailer’s popular tire and food centers.
[MORE: Sanford holds public hearing on rezoning at Seminole Towne Center for Costco plans]
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
For nearby small businesses like Decision Tactical, a veteran-owned shop just steps from the mall, the project is welcome news.
“We’re definitely interested in seeing that Costco is going to bring more people,” said Derek Pullen, veteran-relations specialist at Decision Tactical. “Costco is Costco — it’s going to blow up.”
Pullen said he’s already seen the area changing with new development in recent years, bringing in more customers from the surrounding community.
“It’s been nice to see more people coming in — it helps the mall and us too,” he said.
Local shoppers say a new Costco closer to home will make a big difference. Right now, the nearest locations are in Altamonte Springs, Clermont, and the Millenia area of Orlando.
“We have to travel a little bit away from home just to get to a Costco,” said Gabriella Randeros, who lives nearby. “They’re always so packed, especially the one in Millenia. It’ll be nice to have more options without driving so far.”
Randeros said her family — especially her daughter, a self-described foodie — is looking forward to the new store’s food court offerings.
The proposed store is part of a larger 40-acre development that could also include new apartments, adding to the revitalization of the Towne Center area. The expansion is among the biggest projects Seminole County has seen in recent years.
Seminole County commissioners are scheduled to hold a final vote on the project Monday at 7 p.m. If approved, the new Costco would officially move toward construction, marking a major step in the redevelopment of the mall corridor.