Costco’s third store in Fukuoka Prefecture, the Ogori Warehouse, opened on November 21 in Ogori City to enthusiastic crowds. The membership-based retail giant, famous for its bulk goods and exclusive products, experienced such high demand that it opened 3.5 hours earlier than scheduled, at 4:30 a.m. Some customers had queued for days to secure a spot at the front of the line.
Watch Fukuoka Now’s exclusive pre-open tour and interview with Costco Wholesale Japan’s top executive: https://youtu.be/Y_Q8zBFM0oE?si=gclCR-mIHkbWK3aw
Early Morning Excitement
By 4:00 a.m., over 500 customers had gathered, bundled in coats and blankets to endure the early morning chill. To manage the long wait, Costco provided croissants to those in line. Many attendees had specific goals, with some seeking rare whiskeys, others searching for limited-edition Costco-branded items, and still others eager to browse the unique product offerings.
Some visitors described the experience as overwhelming due to the vast selection available. Others shared how their excitement led them to purchase more than anticipated, with many filling carts to capacity with essentials, exclusive launch products, and even oversized novelty items like plush toys.
A Packed Store and Overflowing Carts
Once the doors opened, customers quickly filled the enormous 10,000-square-meter space. The food section, offering bulk meats, large bread packs, and household staples like toilet paper, proved to be particularly popular. Shoppers spoke of stocking up for long-term use, while others mentioned the fun of discovering Costco’s signature large-scale products, even for display purposes at home.
Local Development and Challenges
The new store, located near the Chikugo-Ogori interchange on the Kyushu Expressway, is expected to significantly influence local growth. Ogori City officials view the warehouse as a potential catalyst for development, with discussions underway to build a new train station nearby to serve the area. The city anticipates attracting new residents, estimating up to 2,000 additional households in the vicinity.
However, the opening also brought logistical challenges. By mid-morning, the parking lot was at capacity, and traffic congestion caused delays on surrounding roads. Local residents expressed a mix of excitement about the store’s potential and concerns about increased traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly on school routes.
A Regional Draw
As the third Costco in Fukuoka Prefecture, following stores in Hisayama and Kitakyushu, the Ogori Warehouse is expected to attract approximately 7,000 visitors daily, serving as a regional shopping hub. Its launch highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of hosting a high-profile retail destination in a growing area. Source: TNC
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