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The Top 3 Biggest Costco Warehouses In The World: A Shocking Look At Their Massive Size And Unique Features

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Costco Wholesale Corporation is a global powerhouse of bulk retail, known for its massive warehouses, incredible deals, and the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. But while the standard Costco store is already a behemoth of retail, a few locations around the world redefine "bulk" with their sheer, astonishing size. As of late December 2025, the title of the world's largest Costco belongs to a unique, hybrid facility in the United States, which dwarfs the typical warehouse by nearly 100,000 square feet.

This deep dive into the largest Costco locations on the planet will explore the square footage, the unique features that set them apart, and even a massive, near-future contender whose construction was recently stalled. Whether you are a dedicated member or just curious about the scale of modern wholesale shopping, prepare to be amazed by the sheer size of these retail giants.

The Definitive List: Top 3 Largest Costco Warehouses Worldwide

The average Costco warehouse measures approximately 146,000 square feet, which is already an enormous footprint for any retail store. The locations on this list, however, push the boundaries of wholesale retail, offering expanded departments, unique product selections, and a shopping experience that requires comfortable shoes.

1. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: The World’s Largest Hybrid Warehouse (235,000 Square Feet)

Holding the undisputed title of the biggest Costco in the world is the facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This warehouse is not just large; it is a first-of-its-kind, hybrid retail model that was created by combining a traditional consumer warehouse with a Costco Business Center.

  • Size: A staggering 235,000 square feet (nearly 1.5 times the size of a standard Costco).
  • Unique Feature: It is the first American location to fully integrate the features of a traditional Costco with a Business Center.
  • Why It's So Big: The expansion and conversion were completed in 2015, merging the two concepts to serve both individual shoppers and small-to-midsize businesses.

The sheer scale of this location means it carries a vastly different inventory mix. Customers can find the usual bulk household goods and electronics, alongside Business Center items like enormous restaurant-grade equipment, industrial kitchen supplies, and a much wider array of bulk beverages and snacks tailored for resale or office use. General Manager Craig Jamieson noted that the combination was a strategic decision to better serve the diverse needs of the local market.

2. Tiquilla, Mexico: The Largest International Costco (175,000 Square Feet)

Stepping outside the United States, the largest Costco location in the international market is widely reported to be the massive warehouse in Tiquilla, Mexico. This location showcases Costco’s global reach and its ability to adapt its enormous format to different consumer cultures.

  • Size: Approximately 175,000 square feet.
  • Unique Feature: While specific details on its hybrid nature are less common than the SLC store, it is noted for its vibrant atmosphere and expansive space dedicated to locally-sourced Mexican goods and international imports tailored to the region.
  • International Significance: Costco has a strong presence in Mexico, and this location serves as a major hub for wholesale shopping in the region, demonstrating that the warehouse club model is successful across borders.

The Tiquilla warehouse is a testament to the company’s commitment to large-format retail, even in markets where the concept is still growing. Its size makes it a significant landmark for wholesale consumers throughout Mexico.

3. Hillsboro, Oregon, USA: The Garden Center Giant (154,000 Square Feet)

Rounding out the top three is the Hillsboro, Oregon, warehouse. While closer to the average size than the Salt Lake City giant, its 154,000 square feet still comfortably places it among the largest in the world, primarily due to one standout feature that makes it a destination for shoppers.

  • Size: Approximately 154,000 square feet.
  • Unique Feature: The Hillsboro location is famous among members for its "enormous garden area." This expanded outdoor and indoor section draws horticultural enthusiasts from a wide radius, offering a selection of plants, gardening equipment, and outdoor living products far beyond what is available at a typical Costco.
  • Retail Entity: It represents a prime example of a specialized large-format warehouse, where the company dedicates extra square footage to a department that sees high local demand.

What Makes a "Mega-Costco" So Different?

The difference between a 146,000 sq ft standard store and the 235,000 sq ft Salt Lake City giant is more than just extra aisle space; it fundamentally changes the shopping experience and product mix. These larger formats are built to serve a complex ecosystem of wholesale buyers and everyday consumers.

The Power of the Hybrid Model (Consumer + Business Center)

The key to the Salt Lake City location's size and success is the integration of the Costco Business Center. Business Centers traditionally cater to small businesses, offering different merchandise and services than a regular warehouse.

  • Product Depth: Business Centers typically carry 70% different inventory than a traditional Costco. This includes more single-serve drinks, snacks, and catering-sized foods, as well as office supplies and janitorial items.
  • Pallet-Level Sales: Businesses can often purchase items by the pallet or in much larger quantities than the already massive consumer bulk sizes.
  • No Frills, More Bulk: While the SLC hybrid store maintains some consumer amenities, traditional Business Centers often omit services like optical departments, pharmacies, and gas stations to focus purely on bulk merchandise flow.

For the average shopper, this means an expanded selection of specialty and food items, making the trip feel like visiting two different stores under one colossal roof. The sheer volume of goods allows the company to operate a highly efficient distribution entity.

The Near-Future Contender: The Fresno Mega-Store Saga (219,000 Square Feet)

The title of the world's largest Costco nearly shifted hands in 2024, highlighting the company’s continued desire to build massive, destination warehouses. Plans were approved for a new, colossal Costco in Fresno, California, which was slated to measure an enormous 219,000 square feet. Had it been completed, it would have been the second-largest in the world, just shy of the Salt Lake City record.

  • Planned Size: 219,000 square feet.
  • Current Status (2024 Update): The project faced a major setback when a Fresno County judge blocked the necessary approvals due to a lawsuit regarding the project’s environmental impact.
  • The Intent: This new facility was intended to replace an older, existing Costco in Fresno, signaling a major upgrade in the city’s wholesale shopping infrastructure. The delay, however, has created uncertainty, with the current store's lease expiring soon.

The ongoing legal battle over the Fresno mega-store illustrates the complexity of building such massive retail infrastructure today, especially in densely populated areas. It remains a key story for Costco enthusiasts, as its completion would instantly reshape the list of the largest warehouses globally, providing a new retail entity for the California market. The debate over this project frames a larger issue in city planning, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns.

Conclusion: The Ever-Growing World of Wholesale

The world's biggest Costco in Salt Lake City, Utah, is more than just a large store; it is a retail experiment proving the success of the hybrid Business Center and consumer warehouse model. At 235,000 square feet, it stands as a monument to bulk shopping, followed closely by the 175,000 sq ft Tiquilla, Mexico location and the 154,000 sq ft Hillsboro, Oregon store. These locations demonstrate that for Costco, bigger truly is better, offering an unparalleled level of inventory and service to both families and businesses. As the Fresno saga continues, the retail world waits to see if a new contender will emerge to challenge Utah’s reign as the home of the largest warehouse club on the planet.

The Top 3 Biggest Costco Warehouses In The World: A Shocking Look At Their Massive Size and Unique Features
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