Costco in Middleton to open Aug. 20

Amy Mertz  —  7/08/2008 7:59 am

There aren't too many stores in the Madison area -- or anywhere, for that matter -- at which you can be rung up on one receipt for bratwurst, motor oil, a leather sofa, fresh flowers, a decorated cake and a diamond engagement ring.

Costco is one of them, though. And if this style of one-stop shopping sounds at all appealing, you can create your own bizarre conglomeration of merchandise beginning Aug. 20.

Justin Ferguson, warehouse manager for the Middleton Costco, said the construction site for the members-only wholesaler store in the Discovery Springs development off U.S. 14 and the Beltline was challenging for the contractors and was a factor in delaying the store's completion, originally proposed for a 2007 opening and then for an opening this month.

However, "It came together, it's a great location, and we're really excited to be here," he said.

The store has already hired 130 employees and plans to hire about another 40, Ferguson said. Most jobs are entry level, but professionals must be hired as well in areas such as the pharmacy and optical shop.

Costco has established a solid reputation for treating its employees well. Most entry-level jobs pay a minimum of $11, and it's not uncommon for a cashier to be paid $17 an hour. The store also prides itself on offering better-than-average benefits and extending them even to part-time employees.

The Middleton Costco -- the second in the state since a store opened last year in Grafton -- will compete directly with Wal-Mart affiliate Sam's Club, also a membership-based warehouse. Its west Madison location is just short of a 10-minute drive from Costco.

Prospective customers can expect promotions on membership and other items in the store's first month, Ferguson said, as the area is introduced to the chain.

The 150,000-square-foot store on the site being developed by the Livesey Co. will have a bakery, a grocery, an optical department, a pharmacy, appliances, electronics, furniture, clothing, hardware and many other kinds of products. Membership fees are $50 for individuals and businesses, and an executive membership is $100.

Costco operates nearly 400 warehouses in the U.S. and almost 150 around the world. The company had net sales upward of $63 billion in 2007 and continues to turn a profit even in the current ailing economic climate: May sales were up 12 percent over the same period the prior year, according to financial statements available on its Web site.

Amy Mertz  —  7/08/2008 7:59 am