Costco Secures Green Light for New NH Location

Costco Wholesale Corp. received approval to construct its second New Hampshire location in Newington. The company plans to open the new warehouse club by late 2027. This development follows the recent demolition of the Fox Run Mall, which occupied that site for more than four decades.

The proposed building covers up to 167,000 square feet. If built to that maximum size, it would become the largest Costco facility in either New Hampshire or Maine. The approved design includes a 16-pump gas station. It also features an on-site pharmacy and a tire center.

Local residents have long requested a Costco presence on the New Hampshire seacoast. Rumors of a return circulated on the internet for nearly a year. The confirmation ended the speculation. The site is currently in a state of transition as construction preparations begin on the former mall grounds.

The retailer previously operated a store in Portsmouth. That location closed in 1996. Management cited low membership volume and sales as the primary reasons for the shutdown. The company has since expanded its footprint and currently operates one other store in the state, located in Nashua.

The Fox Run Mall served as a central shopping destination for the seacoast region. Its removal clears the way for the new commercial complex. The project represents a major shift in the local retail infrastructure. Construction will proceed on the vacated mall footprint.

The new store aims to serve customers in the coastal communities. The inclusion of a gas station and tire center adds services beyond the standard warehouse model. The pharmacy provides additional medical retail options for the area. The project is scheduled for completion and opening in the latter part of 2027.