ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Growth in western Buncombe County is fueling renewed calls from residents for more retail and grocery options, as local leaders confirm discussions are ongoing with Costco about a potential Asheville-area location.
According to the We Want Costco in Western North Carolina Facebook page, a Costco representative said the company is “making good headway” as it works through logistics with the city of Asheville and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, though no formal plans have been submitted.
City officials emphasized Wednesday that while conversations continue, the project has not entered the formal planning process.
The possibility of a Costco has generated significant public interest, particularly in the Enka and Candler areas, where population growth and new development have intensified demand for additional shopping options.
That demand is reflected in a wave of proposed projects along Smokey Park Highway. A large mixed-use development known as Acton Park is expected to be built out by 2031 and would bring hundreds of new residential units alongside commercial space, including an Aldi grocery store, restaurants, medical services and retail.
Local leaders say projects like Acton Park highlight the broader transformation underway in the Enka corridor, an area that has seen steady residential expansion in recent years.
At the same time, speculation continues about additional grocery competition in the Asheville market. Rumors of new Publix locations in the Enka/Candler and Leicester areas have circulated, though a company spokesperson said there are no confirmed plans to announce at this time.
Public response to the potential arrival of Costco underscores a growing appetite for more competition, particularly in the grocery sector. Many residents have voiced support, citing the potential for lower prices, expanded selection and new jobs, while others have raised concerns about overdevelopment or the impact on local businesses.
City Council member Bo Hess credited community advocacy as a key factor in keeping the Costco project alive.
“This project has the potential to bring more competition in groceries, good-paying jobs, increased tax revenue and economic opportunity,” Hess said in a social media post.