A MAJOR American wholesaler revealed it would open a new store just a stone's throw away from Worcestershire. 

Costco Wholesale - a store which sells major brands at bargain prices - will open just 35 minutes from Worcester.

Chase Commercial Limited, based in Evesham, confirmed the American warehouse giant is coming to Centric Park on Eastern Avenue in Gloucester.

READ MORE: Wilko issues update on its Worcester and Droitwich stores

Unfortunately, Costco is not open to everyone, and you cannot just walk in and reap its benefits.

Costco is only accessible to its members, and to be a member, you have to be a registered business or be VAT registered.

There is also no way of sneaking into a Costco because you must show your membership card to enter the building.

However, some professions are allowed to get a Costco Individual Membership even though they are not registered business owners. 

You can apply for a Costco membership if you work or are retired from these professions: 

  • Banking or finance
  • Local government
  • Fire and rescue service
  • Post office
  • Airlines
  • Education
  • Police force
  • Civil service or armed forces
  • Medical or health service
  • Insurance

Or you can if you have qualified as:

  • Qualified or certified chartered accountant
  • Chartered architect
  • Doctors (MD), dentists, opticians or pharmacists
  • Chartered surveyor
  • Solicitor, barrister, magistrate or advocate
  • Chartered engineer

You will also need to be over the age of 18.

Shoppers can apply for a membership via the Costco website.

The new Costco site will span 11.5 acres and have offices and trade counters.

It will also bring 650 parking spaces and the ability to develop a Petrol Filling & EV Station.

Justin Parker, director at Chase Commercial, said: “We are delighted to have secured this prominent site in Gloucester on behalf of Costco Wholesale.

"The deal is reflective of Costco’s performance track record and their ability to move decisively once suitable sites are identified. Costco is entirely self-funded."