By Austin Nichols
Herald Intern
A brand-new Costco Wholesale location will be opening at the Seminole Towne Center in Sanford. City of Sanford Director of Economic Development, Brady Lessard, states that the opening of this new store is “the first phase” of a larger goal to help revitalize the area of the once thriving shopping mall, bringing more jobs back to the community. He continues by saying,“Costco represents the first step in, what will amount to, the largest commercial redevelopment in Seminole County history.”
Lessard also states that this new store will open “sometime in the fall of 2026, most likely in October.”
Assistant Sanford City Manager, Craig Radzak, says, “Costco is a game changer for the Seminole Towne Center property. We are certainly overjoyed to welcome this over 150,000 square foot retail giant, as well as recognize the magnetized draw of carving a path for other major commercial development. We look forward to the jobs created by Costco and we expect a lot more exciting development coming right behind Costco.” Other currently unannounced stores and hotels are also said to be coming, following the Costco opening.
In the years following economic recession and the Covid epidemic, the Seminole Towne Center had seen a massive decline in visitors. With the exception of four remaining anchor stores in the area (Dillard’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Elev8 Fun) the entire mall was shut down on Jan 31. Since its closure, plans to redevelop the area have been set, with Costco being the start of this new development.
With this opening, Costco will attract many new customers to the area providing them quick access to all of their services. These include great return policies and access to tire and gas station services for store members. Compared to other cities like Altamonte and Orlando, whose Costco stores are located miles away, the Seminole Towne Center location provides a safer and convenient area for its residents. The new Costco will bring people from the community back to the Towne Center, giving the area and its neighboring stores and restaurants much needed attention.
