Costco Opens At Sarasota Square Mall

Costco Wholesale will have its Sarasota store grand opening 8 a.m. Friday at the .

Thursday night, hundreds turned out for a free open house filled with free food and a chance to peruse the store — but you couldn't buy anything except for a membership to get into the store on Friday and beyond.

When you join Costco in advance through Friday as a new Executive Member, you will receive a $20 Costco Cash Card. When you join in advance as a New Gold Star or Business Member, receive a $10 Costco Cash Card. Memberships are $55 per year and $110 for Executive, which includes 2 percent annual rewards up to $750.

Costco will offer groceries, clothing and electronics to appliances, tire sales and installation, a pharmacy, optical services, discounts on new car purcahses at select local dealerships and much more — even discounted tickets for the Ringling Museum. The Costco also has a gas station at the mall, too.

While the grand opening will be at 8 a.m., regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.