Here in Lubbock on business. Just saw costco under construction. By the way little over a mile away from SAMs. At 630 pm there were propably about 150 vehicles for the construction crew on site. Lots of people working. Looked it up they are planned for a 100 day construction start to finish to opening.

That timeframe is typical for Costco. Their normal schedule for a "typical" store is 110 days.

Lubbock! What the...? C'mon, you're killin' us Costco!

Lubbock... Really...? That's sad that they get a Costco before us. What does Lubbock have over us?

Lubbock... Really...? That's sad that they get a Costco before us. What does Lubbock have over us?

Tumbleweeds and being in Texas. LOL

Haven't you been following sgt. pepper? Everything that OKC is lacking is due to Walmart saturation.

So Tulsa is not saturated with Wal-Mart's and that is the reason Tulsa gets all the cool, popular stores?

Lubbock... Really...? That's sad that they get a Costco before us. What does Lubbock have over us?

The ability to sell strong beer and wine. Plus, its in Texas.

Yay for Lubbock. Guess they are more attractive than OKC for Costco.

It would seem that Costco should go into Rochester, New Orleans, Buffalo, Albany before OKC by the metrics of demographics and population. I hope these rumors are true of a Costco opening up doors in OKC, but I hold a pretty pessimistic view of OKC luring places like TJ's and Costco when other cities that should have them don't quite yet. I know these are west coast retailers.

Quickly looking at cities with Costco (and TJ's). The CSA's comparable to population of OKC that may have costco, trader joes (for kicks)...

Louisville (1.48 million): 1 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
New Orleans (1.45 million): 0 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Grand Rapids (1.40 million): 2 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Greevnille (1.85 million): 2 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Memphis (1.37 million): 2 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
OKC (1.37 million): 0 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Birmingham (1.31 million): 1 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Harrisburg (1.23 million): 1 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Buffalo (1.21 million): 0 Costco, 0 Trader Joes
Rochester (1.18 million): 0 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Albany (1.17 million): 0 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Albuquerque (1.16 million): 3 Costco, 2 Trader joes


More just for kicks,

Dallas (7.10 million): 9? Costco, 3 Trader Joes
Kansas City (2.38 million): 4 Costco, 2 Trader Joes
Omaha (0.92 million): 1 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Des Moines (0.74 million): 1 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Iowa City (0.42 million): 1 Costco, 1 Trader Joes
Lincoln (0.33 million): 0 Costco, 1 Trader Joes

What the hell... Now I'm jealous. Des Moines, Iowa City, and Lincoln have a trader joes? Must be the alcohol laws.

Then please tell the Republican legislators at the State Capitol to brave up and abolish prohibitive or stupid, archaic alcohol laws. We're grown up enough by now to be able to do without 3.2% beer. It shouldn't be too scary to sell wine in grocery stores.

Any updates

OKC needs more choices in Retail. I hope this turns into a very successful development, giving OKC more shopping choices. Costco, in my opinion, is waaaaay better than Sam's Club.

I already like Costco for the reason that they did not play in the Too Early For Black Friday Race. From what I understand, they were closed today and are opening at the regular time tomorrow.

OKC needs more choices in Retail. I hope this turns into a very successful development, giving OKC more shopping choices. Costco, in my opinion, is waaaaay better than Sam's Club.

I agree. It's really hard to believe that a city this large has such limited choices. Hopefully that changes within the next few years.

I already like Costco for the reason that they did not play in the Too Early For Black Friday Race. From what I understand, they were closed today and are opening at the regular time tomorrow.
Their direct competitor Sam's Club was closed on Thanksgiving as well.

Their direct competitor Sam's Club was closed on Thanksgiving as well.

You're correct. They were closed yesterday, and were only open regular business hours today.

When, I lived in Miami Lakes, Fl. There were 3 clubs within 10 miles. Costco, BJ's, and Sams Club. I would love a Costco. I am sure people would drive from Tulsa.

When, I lived in Miami Lakes, Fl. There were 3 clubs within 10 miles. Costco, BJ's, and Sams Club. I would love a Costco. I am sure people would drive from Tulsa.

Probably not if Tulsa gets one first as is being widely speculated.

Any new news?

Guys....

Anticipation is killing me. Any news????

There are two sets of sources with two lines of thought on this.

A) The only part of the Memorial development that will happen is the St Anthony complex and the Main Event center. Costco was originally involved but they pulled out when the Edmond Sam's Club was announced. Per this source, Costco doesn't want to be sandwiched between two Sam's Club locations. If this source is correct, I will be surprised if Costco ever comes to OKC without a change in the liquor laws to give them more of a profit cushion.

B) This development is still in the works and Costco along with several other new retailers will be anchoring the new shopping center.

My opinion that one is just as likely as the other. Being a cynical person, I tend to believe option A but I am a naturally pessimistic person so take that with a grain of salt. Either way, I honestly wouldn't hold my breath and I would be surprised if there was an announcement in the near future. If option A is correct, Costco better select a location and get moving ASAP if they want to be in this market because Wal-Mart is really ramping up construction of Sam's Clubs and Supercenters in the OKC metro.

There is a ton of dirt moving right next to the healthplex. Im sure if was Costco, Pete would be all over it.

I think Walmart is being very smart and knows OKC is going to have a huge future and will be bringing in a lot of national brands. In my opinion which is why they're working so hard and fast right now to secure great locations and build fast.

I think Walmart is being very smart and knows OKC is going to have a huge future and will be bringing in a lot of national brands. In my opinion which is why they're working so hard and fast right now to secure great locations and build fast.

It's smart business on part of Wal-Mart even though it isn't good for OKC and diversity of choices here.

I was at costco in Rochester Minnesota yesterday, which just opened a few month ago, and when the lady at the optical department learned that I am from Oklahoma, she told me that there are 2 stores coming to Oklahoma (state) this year, and she was waiting on the official announcement so she can put for transfer to okc.

When I asked her is that a speculation on her behalf, she told me no that it was a done deal, and that she was already looking for houses in Edmond!!!!!

So I guess the western memorial thing is really happening.

I was at costco in Rochester Minnesota yesterday, which just opened a few month ago, and when the lady at the optical department learned that I am from Oklahoma, she told me that there are 2 stores coming to Oklahoma (state) this year, and she was waiting on the official announcement so she can put for transfer to okc.

When I asked her is that a speculation on her behalf, she told me no that it was a done deal, and that she was already looking for houses in Edmond!!!!!

So I guess the western memorial thing is really happening.

Awesome! Thanks for posting this!

Awesome! Thanks for posting this!

A little piece of Charlotte just came to Oklahoma.

A little piece of Charlotte just came to Oklahoma.

...or Dallas or Memphis or Kansas City. Costco coming here is a pretty big deal.

...or Dallas or Memphis or Kansas City. Costco coming here is a pretty big deal.

I know, I'm just jiving your turkey :tongue:

I was at costco in Rochester Minnesota yesterday, which just opened a few month ago, and when the lady at the optical department learned that I am from Oklahoma, she told me that there are 2 stores coming to Oklahoma (state) this year, and she was waiting on the official announcement so she can put for transfer to okc.

When I asked her is that a speculation on her behalf, she told me no that it was a done deal, and that she was already looking for houses in Edmond!!!!!

So I guess the western memorial thing is really happening.

She probably read it on OKC Talk or somebody who read it here told her.

...or Dallas or Memphis or Kansas City. Costco coming here is a pretty big deal.

Or Montgomery, AL or Boise, ID or Sioux Falls, SD. Let's give the little cities some love, too. :)

She probably read it on OKC Talk or somebody who read it here told her.

Posters like myself especially and a couple others have relayed the message that there are conflicting sources and that it's by no means a sure thing. If she says its a "done deal" it wouldn't have been by reading this site alone.

The latest I have heard about Costco is they will be going to Tulsa (101st & Memorial) then to OKC in about a year from now.

And yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the woman in Minnesota is just repeating what was previously posted here, as that story was picked up all over the place, shared on Facebook, etc.


In that same center as the proposed Costco at Memorial & Western, I've also heard an upscale grocer -- not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's -- will be the first to move in. Cabella's is still happening but it looks like Skybox Golf is far enough ahead on it's project (starting very soon) that TopGolf is now looking elsewhere in the OKC area.

The latest I have heard about Costco is they will be going to Tulsa (101st & Memorial) then to OKC in about a year from now.

And yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the woman in Minnesota is just repeating what was previously posted here, as that story was picked up all over the place, shared on Facebook, etc.


In that same center as the proposed Costco at Memorial & Western, I've also heard an upscale grocer -- not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's -- will be the first to move in. Cabella's is still happening but it looks like Skybox Golf is far enough ahead on it's project (starting very soon) that TopGolf is now looking elsewhere in the OKC area.

Any ideas who this grocer will be?

Top Golf would be cool to have down by the river.

Any ideas who this grocer will be?

Would have said so if I knew.

I was thinking bchris may know who the grocer was, since he also had inside info on the Costco deal.

I was thinking bchris may know who the grocer was, since he also had inside info on the Costco deal.

My psychic ability tells me it will be a Central Market.

A representative from HEB specifically told me they are not expanding outside of Texas or Mexico. If I were a betting man, I'd say Kroger.

The latest I have heard about Costco is they will be going to Tulsa (101st & Memorial) then to OKC in about a year from now.

And yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the woman in Minnesota is just repeating what was previously posted here, as that story was picked up all over the place, shared on Facebook, etc.


In that same center as the proposed Costco at Memorial & Western, I've also heard an upscale grocer -- not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's -- will be the first to move in. Cabella's is still happening but it looks like Skybox Golf is far enough ahead on it's project (starting very soon) that TopGolf is now looking elsewhere in the OKC area.That sucks. At least they are coming here though.

A representative from HEB specifically told me they are not expanding outside of Texas or Mexico. If I were a betting man, I'd say Kroger.

If Kroger enters the market my guess is they would announce multiple locations especially being that they would have to set up a new infrastructure. This could be one of those locations. Maybe it will be a signature Kroger, which is their more upscale concept. Little Rock has one and it's awesome.

It could be an independent (like Uptown in Edmond) or Reasor's.

I really don't know, but that's my best guess.

I have not heard of any of the larger chains looking at OKC other than Trader Joe's.

The latest I have heard about Costco is they will be going to Tulsa (101st & Memorial) then to OKC in about a year from now.

And yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the woman in Minnesota is just repeating what was previously posted here, as that story was picked up all over the place, shared on Facebook, etc.


In that same center as the proposed Costco at Memorial & Western, I've also heard an upscale grocer -- not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's -- will be the first to move in. Cabella's is still happening but it looks like Skybox Golf is far enough ahead on it's project (starting very soon) that TopGolf is now looking elsewhere in the OKC area.

Noted. I just wonder if all the TV news folks will be as responsible as Pete and inform their viewers that their news stories (which were ripping off Pete) were wrong. I won't hold my breath.
For what it's worth, Pete and I are now in complete agreement on this story as it stands now (my sources 'think' Cabella's is close to being a deal). I will add that Skybox Golf has been looking at multiple sites throughout the city. My sources still tell me Costco will ultimately end up elsewhere.

Noted. I just wonder if all the TV news folks will be as responsible as Pete and inform their viewers that their news stories (which were ripping off Pete) were wrong. I won't hold my breath.
For what it's worth, Pete and I are now in complete agreement on this story as it stands now (my sources 'think' Cabella's is close to being a deal). I will add that Skybox Golf has been looking at multiple sites throughout the city. My sources still tell me Costco will ultimately end up elsewhere.

Costco better hurry up and select a site as fast as Sam's Club is building. Do you know if they are anywhere close to doing that?

Noted. I just wonder if all the TV news folks will be as responsible as Pete and inform their viewers that their news stories (which were ripping off Pete) were wrong. I won't hold my breath.
For what it's worth, Pete and I are now in complete agreement on this story as it stands now (my sources 'think' Cabella's is close to being a deal). I will add that Skybox Golf has been looking at multiple sites throughout the city. My sources still tell me Costco will ultimately end up elsewhere.That's good news about Cabela's. Also hope Costco is building here as it would be nice to see a great development like this with a concentrated number of high(er)-end stores.

This is disappointing news. If Costco is waiting to see how the Tulsa location does before building in OKC, they may have a difficult time selecting a site if they do fear Sam's Club so much to not want to be within a certain distance of a store, or sandwiched between two. My guess currently would be Penn Square area if they can get a site. It's close to Nichols Hills, and currently an adequate distance from Sam's Club in all directions. That may change by 2016 or 2017.

Now that I think of it, the Fresh Market is a likely candidate for the grocery store in this development. They are in surrounding markets including Tulsa and Little Rock, and are expanding, and are considered "upscale," and are not Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

http://www.gelighting.com/LightingWeb/na/images/201-43411GE-LED-Grocery-Store-Lighting-465x300.jpg

This is disappointing news. If Costco is waiting to see how the Tulsa location does before building in OKC, they may have a difficult time selecting a site if they do fear Sam's Club so much to not want to be within a certain distance of a store, or sandwiched between two. My guess currently would be Penn Square area if they can get a site. It's close to Nichols Hills, and currently an adequate distance from Sam's Club in all directions. That may change by 2016 or 2017.
Do you just make this stuff up in your own mind? I mean, where do you come up with these guesses? I have no idea when and where Costco might go but you just spout out crap like you know what you are talking about. Tell me, where in the hell in the penn square/Nichols hills area will costco find 25+ acres to build a store? You know not of what you speak of.

I wonder if this spot could work for them?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1534920_10202117343287614_1953759611_o.jpg

Here is a bigger map

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1598996_10202117343207612_1905813144_o.jpg

I doubt it, plupan. The access doesn't look very good.

Not only is the access not good there, the economics are never going to work to make such a thing happen…those are flyovers connecting Lincoln and 44…

If this was an area Costco was remotely interested in (and I don't think this area would be), they'd probably take up some space on 50th near Lincoln. Lots of potential sites to tear down…but the rooftops and incomes are just not there in that area.

Do you just make this stuff up in your own mind? I mean, where do you come up with these guesses? I have no idea when and where Costco might go but you just spout out crap like you know what you are talking about. Tell me, where in the hell in the penn square/Nichols hills area will costco find 25+ acres to build a store? You know not of what you speak of.

It was just a guess on my part. My initial instinct may have been correct on the Western/Memorial site. If concentrated wealth + adequate distance from Sam's Club is what they are looking for, where will it work?

OKC, as part of a long-term plan needs to focus on increasing concentration of wealth and this can be done by gentrifying contiguous areas of the city. That way one day OKC may no longer take a back seat to Tulsa when it comes to national retailers and other entities that rely solely on numbers.

This is disappointing news. If Costco is waiting to see how the Tulsa location does before building in OKC, they may have a difficult time selecting a site if they do fear Sam's Club so much to not want to be within a certain distance of a store, or sandwiched between two. My guess currently would be Penn Square area if they can get a site. It's close to Nichols Hills, and currently an adequate distance from Sam's Club in all directions. That may change by 2016 or 2017.

Nobody said they will wait to see how the Tulsa location does -- just that it will open first.

The latest I have heard about Costco is they will be going to Tulsa (101st & Memorial) then to OKC in about a year from now.

And yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the woman in Minnesota is just repeating what was previously posted here, as that story was picked up all over the place, shared on Facebook, etc.


In that same center as the proposed Costco at Memorial & Western, I've also heard an upscale grocer -- not Whole Foods or Trader Joe's -- will be the first to move in. Cabella's is still happening but it looks like Skybox Golf is far enough ahead on it's project (starting very soon) that TopGolf is now looking elsewhere in the OKC area.

That costco associate who i talked to in Minnesota was talking about what she was told from inside costco, she didn't refer to any blogs.

Even if their was some mythical void where Costco could open a store with ZERO competition from Walmart. Costco officials are smart enough to know that Walmart would not hesitate to immediately start the process of building their own store nearby as soon as they hear about Costco's store. The idea that Costco fears Walmart is silly. Their are a whole bunch of other factors they consider.

You don't see CVS or Walgreen's avoiding each other.


I would wager that Coscto's capital expense budget isn't nearly as large as Walmart's so they build far fewer new stores a year than Walmart so of course their going to build where they get the most return on their investment.

It will be very nice to finally have a Costco in Oklahoma no matter if it ends up in OKC or Tulsa first. My wife and I go to Dallas and Fort Worth area 2 or 3 times a year just to go to the Costco's and sometimes the Fry's electronics. Every time we go to the Lewisville, TX Costco we ask when Oklahoma is going to get our own Costco and two years ago they said they were not sure why we did not have one yet but over 1/3 of their customers come from Oklahoma. We went in the first week of October to the Lewisville Costco last year we asked again if there was any news of Oklahoma getting a Costco and the associate we talked to said that they had been in a Texas Costco manger meeting and that Oklahoma City would have a Costco in year. From the way they talked I figured they already had a spot picked out. I am from the Tulsa area and if you guys do get your Costco first I will be over there on opening day and every other weekend till ours opens. We can all thank Texas for shopping so much at the Costco's that they are finally going to give Oklahoma a chance.

With all the talk that Costco doesn't want to locate close to Sam's, I looked at the location of the Lubbock store, and it's not that far from their Sam's Club.

With all the talk that Costco doesn't want to locate close to Sam's, I looked at the location of the Lubbock store, and it's not that far from their Sam's Club.

I still can't believe Lubbock has one and we don't. Can't believe it.

I still can't believe Lubbock has one and we don't. Can't believe it.

They are able to sell high point beer, wine, and even liquor there. Stores like Costco and grocers are a lot more enthusiastic about entering a market where they have that kind of guaranteed profit. I don't think you would see Costco in a similar market in a 3.2 state. Dodge City, Kansas for instance doesn't have Costco and likely never will. Costco will come to Oklahoma though, its just more of a risk for them so that's why they've held out so long.

I am thinking that having the first Costco in OKC next to a Sam's Club would probably be a good idea. The Texas Costco's stores that I have been too have always had 3 to 4 times more people in them than the Sam's Clubs that are within 2 to 5 miles of them. Think how busy the first Costco in OKC is going to be and at least when we are looking at full parking lot at the Costco we will have a close Sam's Club to use for a backup although we will not be happy about it. Did you guys see the article in the Lubbock paper where the new Costco manger there said Costco would be opening a lot more Costco's in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. I thought it was kinda funny because if they opened one in Oklahoma it infinenitly more than we have now.

Dodge City, Kansas for instance doesn't have Costco and likely never will. Costco will come to Oklahoma though, its just more of a risk for them so that's why they've held out so long.

LOL, I'm sure there are multitudes of businesses that Dodge City will never have that OKC either has or will have.