Columbia Retail

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by dgfurman

I can see that, but Sam's is really different from Costco, even if they're from the same parent company. To me, Costco seems to have nicer products and is a bit more up-scale, and Sam's seems more warehousey to me. I would drive to further to get to a Costco, even if there were a Sam's in my area. Maybe that's just me tho'.

I like Costco better, too, but I'm not overall a fan of those warehouse places.

[Chi2Midlands]

I like Costco because (1) as someone else mentioned, it does have some nicer things, such that it is like the Target of warehouse clubs (obviously Sam's is going to be like their parent, Wal-Mart), and (2) they treat their employees, really, really well (health benefits, etc.).

I would imagine a Costco in NE Richland would make the most sense, as their is no Sam's nearby (closest is the Forest Dr./Ft. Jackson one), there is a lot of available land (I-77/Killian/Clemson area makes the most sense), and you have a good, solid middle/upper-middle class demographic that would definitely shop regularly at a Costco.

Otherwise, with Steve & Barry's closing at Columbia Mall, Costco could redevelop that space and do a mall-attached Costco like they did at Westgate Mall in Spartanburg. That would be less convenient for some NE Richland folks but would be more convenient for others and would help keep the Columbia Mall/Decker/Two Notch area afloat with all the other closings in the area.

[CarolinaSouth803]

wow...i didn't know that Steve and Barry's was closing that location already...I mean i can't say i've ever shopped in there, but i figured it would do better. But a friend of mine did tell me that they didn't have a good selection in that store like the other one's he's been to

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by CarolinaSouth803

wow...i didn't know that Steve and Barry's was closing that location already...I mean i can't say i've ever shopped in there, but i figured it would do better. But a friend of mine did tell me that they didn't have a good selection in that store like the other one's he's been to

The company went bankrupt.

[Palmetto Heel]

Costco sells liquor. Point. Set. Match.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Palmetto Heel

Costco sells liquor. Point. Set. Match.

Do they sell it in South Carolina? Only "red dot" ABC stores can sell liquor in SC.

[Palmetto Heel]

I've never visited a Costco in SC, they're located in Greenville and Charleston, but to my knowledge there is nothing that would prevent Costco from getting a liquor license. In some states I've visited the Costco liquor store is separate but adjacent to the main store.

[Kharisma]

Hands up for Wet Willie's! lol..but I would love some of those little candy shops that they have in Charleston and Savannah. That would be really nice..

[gvillesc]

Originally Posted by Palmetto Heel

I've never visited a Costco in SC, they're located in Greenville and Charleston, but to my knowledge there is nothing that would prevent Costco from getting a liquor license. In some states I've visited the Costco liquor store is separate but adjacent to the main store.

You left out Spartanburg's location.

I haven't been into Greenville's Costco, but from the look of the outside, there doesn't appear to be any separate liquor space. I'd think there'd have to be, especially given the limitation on hours... I'll have to look into this locally.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Kharisma

Hands up for Wet Willie's! lol..but I would love some of those little candy shops that they have in Charleston and Savannah. That would be really nice..

Actually, Wet Willies is opening in the Vista in the next few weeks.