“It’s about time they added a gas station,” said Kathy Veldes, a Brandon resident and longtime Costco Wholesale member, just moments following the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the stores newest amenity.
Veldes was one of thousands of area residents who enjoy Costco’s one-stop shopping philosophy and who can now use the 12-pump gas station just outside the store, located at 10921 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.
Costco management staff welcomed the public, which included members of the Brandon, Riverview and Ruskin chambers of commerce, to celebrate the official opening of the new addition in October, while refreshments were provided by Starbucks, Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village and Planet Smoothie completed the festivities.
Costco General Manager Hector Mencia explained that the new credit or debit-only station, which requires customers to use their Costco membership card or American Express credit card, consists of six pumping stations with two nozzles each that can reach either side of the car. It will also supply members with five-tier top shelf fuel in both regular and premium grade gasoline.
The fuel is said to be not only better for the environment, but also for the cars at no additional cost to Costco members.
“We are constantly searching for ways to add value and pass on saving to our members,” Mencia said. “Adding a gas station to our Brandon location is one of our ways to add that value and savings.”
Mencia emphasized that the pricing of gasoline will be competitive at the new, well-lit, one-way through station for easy traffic flow, which will also be supported by an attendant at all times.
“We are known for our members’ confidence in our product, quality and value,” he said.
Costco Marketing Manager Tim Sanders was pleased with the traffic so far, which he said has been steady since the station’s soft opening a week prior and included Democratic candidate Linda Saul-Sena, who is currently running for Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 5.
While topping off her gas tank, Saul-Sena said that she is looking forward to taking advantage of the new station.
“I am pleased with the choice of clean and affordable gasoline Costco is offering,” she said.
Costco will be celebrating 10 years in Brandon next month, offering its members great value and significant savings, while supporting local charities and schools.
Costco’s Brandon location allows its approximately 40,000 members to save on designer jeans, electronics, tires, home decor, books, snacks, DVDs, CDs, seasonal items and, of course, now also on gasoline.
“We have super value and we are super convenient,” Sanders said.
For more information about Costco, please visit www.costco.com.
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