Kansas City mulls options to try to prevent major changes to Midtown Costco

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City leaders are worried Costco could be planning some big changes for its Midtown store on Linwood Boulevard.

The changes could lead to popular prepared foods and services going away if the wholesaler opts to cater more to restaurants and businesses.

Mayor Quinton Lucas and Council Member Melissa Patterson Hazley drafted a resolution for Thursday’s agenda in response to concerns Costco is considering converting the Linwood Boulevard warehouse to a business center. Costco Wholesale Corp could not be reached for questions about whether a possible change in focus for the current store is in consideration.

Monday marked 25 years in business for Kansas City’s Costco at Midtown Market Place. The store’s warehouse lets shoppers stock up on hundreds of dry goods and paper products, but also offers other quick grab options and services including a food court, pharmacy and tire center.

Now as there are plans for Costco to add a sixth store to the Metro in Lee’s Summit, city leaders are responding to concerns Costco may change their business model in Midtown.

“I have received many phone calls from my constituents about the possibility of converting midtown Costco to a business center. That would significantly impact shoppers from all across the district.”

According to Costco, business centers have different items like office supplies and restaurant equipment. Other food items found at traditional Costco Warehouses may only be available by the pallet or truckload. They don’t generally have food courts, pharmacies and tire centers.

“We already go to Costco and it is nice. I don’t need things to get bigger. I use the food court, I use the bakery, I use the rotisserie chickens. If you are going to get rid of all of that I’d be less inclined to go.”

The resolution introduced Thursday directs the city manager to work with economic development agencies to negotiate with Costco to keep the store in Midtown, with similar or better services.

“Obviously the Costco has been a core central part of Midtown for generations. It has been vital, a whole of people use it. This is a direction particularly to our economic development corporation to make sure we retain it in its current style, that we work with corporate to let them know that they are welcome and to make sure the store stays in the manner of operation that it exists now,” Lucas said.