Costco to open first Fairbanks store at former Sam’s Club location

Costco has "entered into an agreement" to occupy the Sam's Club store in Fairbanks, which is closing, according to the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

It would be the first Costco to open in Fairbanks; the big-box chain currently has two locations in Anchorage and one in Juneau.

Costco representatives met with Borough Mayor Karl Kassel and are "in the early stages of evaluating the property" but are "optimistic that they could … receive the necessary approvals quickly," the borough said.

"Costco is excited with the prospect of coming to Fairbanks and will be working with the city and borough to hopefully make that happen as soon as possible," said Costco representative Mario Omoss, according to the borough's statement.

The Sam's Club on College Road is scheduled to close, along with dozens of other locations nationwide, on Jan. 26.

Many rural Alaskans had relied on the Sam's Club in Fairbanks for cheap bulk purchases, as it was the only warehouse store of its kind in the Interior. As of Monday evening, over 10,000 people — and counting — had signed a change.org petition titled "Fairbanks Needs a Costco!"

Mayor Kassel agreed.

"Our community and the outlying rural areas have a demonstrated need for this type of vendor. … I am more than pleased we can assist Costco in coming to Fairbanks soon," he said in the statement from the borough.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Costco's agreement, which is with the property owner, not the borough.