Costco confirms move to Galway, staff say could happen in November

Retailing giantCostcoconfirmed Thursday that its St. John's warehouse will relocate fromStavangerDrive in the east end to the newGalwaydevelopment in the city's west end.

While the company's human relations manager, RonDamiani, would not comment on the timeline for the move, staff told customers the target date is November.

"Yes, we are moving. We do not have a definite date yet,"Damianitold CBC News. "A lot of things could go sideways. There is still snow on the ground in St. John's."

What do customers think about Costco's plan to move to Galway?

8 years ago

Duration 1:13

We took to the parking lot to ask what people thought about the store's announcement to move from Stavanger Drive in the east end to the new Galway development in the city's west end.

He saidCostcowould have more to say about the move in about four to five weeks, but staff were informed in a meeting Wednesday night.

"They deserve to know before anybody,"Damianisaid.

As for the reason to relocate, "We have outgrown our current location."

New store to be 22,000 square feet larger

Costcocustomer WalterHardingtweeted Thursday that he had spoken with an employee inside the store who told him the move could happen in November, if all goes to plan.

Hardingsaid he was told the new location would be up to 150,000 square feet, 22,000 square feet larger than the existing store.

"It goes without saying there will be enhancements," saidDamiani, but he would not comment on specifics, or whether the the company was offered any incentives to move toGalway.

"We never do that, comment on things like that," he said.

CitycouncillorJonathanGalgaytold CBC News on Thursday that the City has not received any application to build.

Galway developer Danny Williams had no comment when asked about the move on Thursday morning.

Right on, customers say

"I think it's a good thing. It's easier for people who live out around the bay," said Jessica Dawe, a resident of Upper Island Cove, who was shopping at Costco on Stavanger Dr. on Thursday.

"Can't wait. Closer to home for me," said Rebecca Picco who drove to the east end from Kelligrews. "Takes me 25 minutes to get here. With a20-month-old and another baby on the way, I'm looking forward to the move."

Linda Phillips, who drives in from Whitbourne, hopes the new location will be less of a traffic tangle.

"I don't really mind coming to this end of town," she said. "But the reality is often times it is a hassle to try to get in and out of here. You spend 10 minutes alone trying to get back out onto Torbay Road."

Costco's Ron Damiani told CBC News the Stavanger Drive store will continue to operate until the Galway location opens, which means having staff and inventory in two stores for a period of time.

He says that is part of the logistics that have to be worked out.