Costco to Open 14 New Warehouses Across U.S. and Canada, Reinforcing Growth Amid Program Shutdown

Costco Wholesale is moving full-speed ahead on physical expansion, with plans to open 14 new warehouses across the U.S. and Canada in October and November, while also shuttering its Costco Next partner program—a shift that signals a renewed focus on core operations.

Aggressive Store Expansion Continues

According to a recent Fox Business report published on September 9, 2026, Costco is launching five new locations in October—situated in Lee’s Summit, Missouri; The Colony, Texas; Amherst, New York; Lawrence, Kansas; and Camarillo, California—with an additional nine warehouses expected to open in November across Canada and the U.S.

These openings reflect the company’s strategy to expand its physical footprint rapidly, filling key markets and enhancing access for its membership base.

Costco Next Program Discontinued

In late August and early September, reports confirmed that Costco has discontinued its Costco Next partner program. TheStreet highlighted that the service was ended abruptly—with no prior notice to members—as membership fees remain a critical pillar of Costco’s profitability, accounting for a substantial portion of operating income.

This move follows disclosure during the third quarter of fiscal 2025 earnings that the Costco Next platform had reached significant sales milestones, yet the decision to close it appears rooted in operational refocus rather than performance failure.

Stock Holding Steady Near Recent Highs

Market reaction to these developments has been muted but steady. AD HOC News reported that as of September 1, 2026, Costco stock was trading around $945.49, holding near recent highs as investors weighed the implications of both the store expansion and the program closure.

Investment commentary suggests that steady earnings momentum and the planned new warehouse openings are underpinning confidence in the company’s future growth trajectory.

Strategic Implications

The simultaneous expansion and contraction of initiatives illustrate Costco’s discipline in sharpening its strategic focus. By accelerating warehouse openings, the company reinforces the traditional membership-driven model that has long differentiated it in the retail sector.

Meanwhile, phasing out ancillary offerings like Costco Next may streamline operations and reallocate resources to core strengths—namely, physical retail growth and membership revenue.

What’s Next for Investors

With Costco stock remaining resilient near year-to-date highs, investors will likely pay close attention to the tangible impact of new warehouse openings on membership growth and overall sales traction.

Additionally, renewed emphasis may fall on Q4 results and whether the increased physical footprint will translate into measurable uplifts in foot traffic, renewal rates, and per-member spending.

In summary, Costco’s dual actions this week—embarking on rapid warehouse expansion while quietly discontinuing its Costco Next partner platform—signal a strategic refocusing that could reinforce its core business model and investor confidence heading into the busy fall season.