If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through a cavernous warehouse at 11 AM on a Tuesday, clutching a rotisserie chicken like a prize trophy, you’re part of a massive global tribe. We all know the vibe. The smell of tires mixed with fresh muffins. The thrill of finding a 12-pack of wool socks right next to a 75-inch OLED TV. But lately, people are asking a very specific question: how many stores does Costco have right now, and why does it feel like a new one pops up every time we blink?
Honestly, the numbers shift fast. As of early 2026, Costco is operating 921 warehouses worldwide.
That is a lot of $1.50 hot dog combos.
But here is the thing—that number isn't static. Just a few months ago, at the end of their 2025 fiscal year, they were sitting at 914. They are on a tear. CEO Ron Vachris hasn’t been shy about it either. On the Q1 2026 earnings call, he basically told investors that the plan is to open about 30 net new locations every single year for the foreseeable future. If you do the math, they’re staring down the barrel of 1,000 stores before we even hit the 2030s.
The Big Breakdown: Where Are All These Costcos?
Most people think of Costco as an American staple, and they aren't wrong. The U.S. is the Mothership. Right now, there are 639 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. California alone has 143 of those. If California were its own country, it would have more Costcos than all of Canada and Mexico combined.
Speaking of our neighbors, the footprint looks something like this:
- Canada: 110 locations (and growing—they just added one in Ardeer, Australia too, but Canada remains the second biggest market).
- Mexico: 40 locations.
- Japan: 37 locations.
- United Kingdom: 29 locations.
- South Korea: 20 locations.
It’s kinda wild to think about a Costco in Iceland (they have one) or Sweden (they just opened their second). The business model—high volume, low margin, membership-only—seems to translate into almost any language. You don’t need to speak Japanese to understand the value of bulk-buying seaweed snacks or a giant stuffed bear.
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The "Texas Boom" and the 2026 Push
If you live in Texas, you’ve probably noticed the yellow "Coming Soon" signs everywhere. Texas is currently the second-most "Costco-fied" state with 44 locations, but they are adding more at a blistering pace. Specifically, places like Liberty Hill and Forney are slated for new openings in early 2026.
Why there? Because Costco follows the rooftops. They look for areas where the population is exploding and the median income can support that $65 (or $130 for Executive) annual fee.
What Really Happened With the 2026 Expansion Plan?
There was a bit of a hiccup recently that most shoppers didn't notice, but Wall Street did. Initially, the goal for fiscal 2026 was to open 35 new warehouses. However, management revised that down to 28 net new openings.
Why the slowdown?
Permitting. It’s the boring answer, but it’s the truth. Specifically, there were significant delays in Spain. Building a giant 150,000-square-foot concrete box isn't as easy in Europe as it is in a Texas suburb. But don't let that fool you into thinking they’re losing steam. Their net sales hit $270 billion in 2025. They have the cash to wait out a few bureaucratic delays.
Creative Growth: Apartments Above the Aisles?
This is my favorite part of the current strategy because it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. In South Los Angeles, near Baldwin Village, Costco is building a warehouse with 800 apartments on top of it.
Think about that. You could literally take an elevator down, grab a slice of pizza, and be back on your couch in five minutes. This "mixed-use" approach is how they’re getting into dense urban markets where 25 acres of vacant land just doesn't exist anymore. It’s a genius move to solve the "last mile" delivery problem while also helping with the housing crisis.
The Membership Factor: Why Store Count Is Only Half the Story
You can't talk about how many stores does Costco have without talking about the people inside them. 145 million cardholders. That is a staggering number.
The renewal rate is hovering around 90% worldwide. People don't just shop at Costco; they are loyal to it in a way that feels almost cult-like. That loyalty gives them the "moat" that investors like Warren Buffett (well, Charlie Munger, specifically) used to rave about.
While other retailers are struggling with "shrink" (the corporate word for shoplifting), Costco's membership model acts as a natural barrier. You have to show a card to get in. You have to show a receipt to get out. It’s simple, it’s low-tech, and it works.
Technology is Finally Hitting the Floor
Costco has historically been a bit... slow with tech. Their website used to feel like a relic from 2004. But that's changing. In 2025 and 2026, they’ve been rolling out:
- Card Scanners at the Entrance: No more just flashing the card at a tired employee; you’ve gotta scan in now.
- Food Court Scanners: They are finally cracking down on non-members grabbing that cheap hot dog.
- Inventory AI: They are using AI to manage pharmacy scripts and gas station inventory. It sounds high-brow, but it basically just means they don't run out of stuff as often.
Practical Insights: How to Use This Info
If you are a member—or thinking about becoming one—here is the "expert" take on what all these new stores mean for you:
- Check the "New Locations" Page Frequently: If you live in a growing suburb, don't buy that deep freezer yet. A new Costco nearby often triggers "grand opening" deals on memberships and high-ticket electronics.
- The "Relocation" Strategy: Sometimes Costco doesn't just add a store; they move one. They are currently relocating about five high-volume warehouses a year to bigger buildings. If your local Costco is always a nightmare to park at, check if there's a "relocation" permit in the works for a nearby plot of land.
- Stock Matters: If you’re an investor, watch that "30 net new stores" guidance. If they drop below 25 consistently, it might signal that they’re hitting a "saturation point" in North America, which is why they are pushing so hard into China and Japan.
Costco is a behemoth that grows by being predictable. They don't do flashy marketing. They don't have a PR department that talks to the press much. They just build big boxes, fill them with high-quality stuff, and wait for us to show up. As of today, 921 of those boxes are waiting for you.
Your Next Steps: If you want to see if a store is coming to your specific zip code, your best bet is to check the Costco Warehouse Openings page on their official site, which usually lists confirmed dates about 3-6 months in advance. Also, keep an eye on local planning commission minutes for your city—Costco usually files "Project Willow" or "Project Sunset" permits long before they announce a location publicly.