Costco Gets Green Light for Huge 184,000-Square-Foot Store on Route 17 in Paramus

Paramus officials approved plans for a massive new Costco at 859 Route 17 South. The store will take over the old Kmart and Stop & Shop spots. Board members voted unanimously at their Oct. 2 session.

"Costco is a premier retailer in the United States, and they are choosing to call Paramus home," said Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza in a social media statement on Friday. "They are filling an abandoned property, a vacant lot, and putting in a need."

DiPiazza stressed the benefits in his update. "They're keeping our commercial corridor vibrant, which helps the taxpayers, and they're doing so with a plan to protect residents that are their neighbors as well," he said, per NJ.com.

The site has sat unused since Kmart left in 2014. Stop & Shop moved out more recently, closing in January 2022. This decision follows DiPiazza's first mention of Costco's interest back in August 2024.

Local residents voiced concerns about increased traffic at the meeting. After careful review of these issues, the board moved forward with approval. The start date for building remains unannounced.

This store adds to Costco's strong presence in North Jersey. Shoppers already flock to locations in Teterboro, Clifton, and Wayne. When finished, this will be the company's 21st spot in New Jersey.

Known for bulk sales and competitive pricing, Costco maintains high standards. Their score of 82 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index proves buyers value their approach.

For Paramus, a shopping powerhouse along the packed Route 17 corridor, this development signals continued growth. The new store fits the town's reputation as a retail hub in one of New Jersey's most traveled areas.