Is Cranston's loss Warwick's gain? Costco reps coming to check out Warwick.
WARWICK − A Costco location scout will meet with local officials after the City Council president reached out following news that the bulk big-box retailer backed out of plans for a store in Cranston.
Council President Stephen McAllister said a retail executive for the Northeast region plans to meet with city officials on Thursday, Feb. 15.
The closest Costco locations are in Dedham and Avon, Massachusetts, and East Lyme, Connecticut.
The real estate expert will meet with Mayor Frank Picozzi, McAllister and the city's planning director.
"It's an introductory meeting, so we'll keep it tight," McAllister said. "They said they looked at a number of properties in Warwick a few years ago, so they want an update on where [those properties] stand."
The Planning Department is working to get updates on all the desired locations, he said.
"We'll break out the maps, see what they're looking for and plug something in and see if it could be a fit," McAllister said.
Could it happen? With Cranston out, Warwick begins courting Costco.
Is Cranston's loss Warwick's gain?
McAllister said he reached out to Costco representatives on Sunday and heard back on Tuesday night. He initially reached out because so many constituents called, texted and asked him in person about bringing Costco to Warwick after news broke that the retailer had withdrawn plans for the site of a former prison on Goddard Avenue in Cranston.
McAllister previously said that Warwick is a perfect fit, with access to multiple highways, a large population and central access in the middle of the state.
"It's important to throw your hat in the ring," McAllister had said.
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Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Costco reps will visit possible Warwick locations next week
