News Summary

Costco Wholesale is moving ahead with plans to open its only Central Massachusetts location at The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster. Preliminary discussions with Hull Property Group are in progress, and the proposed store will span approximately 152,000 square feet. Parts of the mall are slated for demolition, but the existing JCPenney will remain operational. This development is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy and tax revenue, providing a much-needed boost amid rising costs and funding challenges in municipalities.

Leominster – Costco Wholesale is moving forward with plans to establish its only Central Massachusetts location at The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster. Preliminary discussions are underway between Costco and Hull Property Group, the Atlanta-based owner of the mall, which has been a local retail hub since its construction in 1967. The development initiative is seen as a significant step forward for the region, promising to boost local commerce and traffic.

The potential Costco store, which will span approximately 152,000 square feet, is proposed to be a standalone structure, separate from the existing mall facilities. As part of the renovation plans, a substantial section of the mall’s northern portion is slated for demolition to facilitate the new construction and a proposed gas station. Notably, the existing JCPenney store will remain in operation during the renovation, although areas formerly occupied by Sears and Filene’s are planned for demolition.

This project first came to public attention in May, when renderings and plans surfaced through social media platforms following their discovery by a contractor. Hull Property Group purchased The Mall at Whitney Field for $16 million on Christmas Eve in 2019. In contrast, the property had been acquired previously by Colony Capital for $36 million in 2013. Leominster’s Mayor Dean Mazzarella has expressed optimism regarding the Costco project, underlining the city’s support and willingness to facilitate the development.

The addition of a Costco location is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s tax revenue, which is particularly vital amid ongoing challenges posed by rising costs and funding cuts affecting municipalities. Mayor Mazzarella highlighted the strategic location of the mall near major roadways, which could accommodate increased traffic from Costco shoppers.

Costco, renowned for its membership-based retail model, operates over 600 locations across the United States, including several in Massachusetts. Current Massachusetts Costco locations can be found in Avon, Danvers, Dedham, Everett, Sharon, Waltham, and West Springfield. The company typically adheres to a policy of abstaining from commenting on new locations until three months before their anticipated opening, which means that more specific information about the Leominster store is expected closer to that timeline.

The shifting retail landscape, characterized by an increase in online shopping, has compelled many shopping centers to redevelop and adapt to changing consumer behaviors. The establishment of Costco in Leominster could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the mall and surrounding areas, creating potential opportunities for local businesses to thrive amidst evolving market demands.

As discussions continue between city officials and Hull Property Group, there is a shared enthusiasm regarding the future of The Mall at Whitney Field. If realized, this Costco location would be a landmark development for Leominster, aiming to enhance both the community and the local economy.