Costco opened its long-anticipated warehouse in The Villages in August 2025. The store officially began operations on August 6, drawing large opening-day crowds. Now, more than six months later, the focus has shifted from construction progress to customer experience. So how are locals responding?
Construction and Opening Timeline
The 162,000-square-foot warehouse was built on a formerly undeveloped parcel within the Buffalo Ridge retail corridor. The project included a fuel station, liquor section, and parking for roughly 700 vehicles. By early summer 2025, most of the structure was in place.
The store opened as scheduled in August 2025. Local news outlets covered long lines and strong turnout during grand opening week. The fuel station and warehouse operations began simultaneously, with full services available at launch.
What Locals Are Saying
Online reviews show mixed but generally steady feedback. Google ratings currently average in the mid-three to low-four star range, based on early customer submissions. That places it in line with many newly opened Costco locations that are still adjusting to traffic patterns and staffing flow.
Positive reviews frequently mention competitive fuel prices, clean interiors, and helpful employees. Several customers note that the store fills a long-standing gap for residents who previously drove to Clermont or Ocala…