Why Costco Draws Myrtle Beach Shoppers and What Membership Costs

Costco's appeal in the Myrtle Beach area

Costco operates one location in the Myrtle Beach region—at 3325 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Conway, about 15 minutes inland from the beach. The warehouse draws shoppers from across the Grand Strand because it offers bulk purchasing at prices lower than traditional grocery stores and big-box retailers, and because the membership model creates a committed customer base that returns regularly.

The store carries groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, and seasonal items. Unlike regular retailers, Costco limits its selection sharply—the warehouse typically stocks 3,500 to 4,000 items compared to 30,000 or more at a conventional supermarket. This constraint keeps prices down and makes shopping faster for people who know what they want.

Myrtle Beach's year-round population and seasonal tourism both feed Costco's traffic. Local residents use the warehouse for weekly staples and bulk purchases. Visitors and seasonal residents—particularly retirees who spend winters in the area—join as members or shop with someone who does, drawn by the value proposition and the social aspect of warehouse shopping.

Key Takeaways

• Costco's Conway location is the only warehouse in the Myrtle Beach area, serving both locals and seasonal residents across the Grand Strand.
• Membership costs between $60 and $130 per year depending on the tier, and you must show a valid membership card to shop.
• The warehouse model—limited selection, bulk quantities, and lower per-unit prices—appeals to households that buy in volume and plan meals ahead.
• Costco's return policy and member benefits (gas discounts, pharmacy savings, travel deals) create loyalty beyond the initial price advantage.

Membership tiers and annual costs

Costco offers two main membership levels. The Gold Star membership costs $60 per year and gives you access to the warehouse, discounts on gas and prescriptions, and the ability to shop online. The Executive membership costs $130 per year and includes everything in Gold Star plus 2% cash back on most purchases (capped at $1,000 per year), additional discounts on travel and insurance products, and a few other perks.

A household member can be added to either membership for $60, allowing two people to use the same card. Costco also offers a digital membership card through its app, so you do not have to carry a physical card to shop. If you cancel within the first year, Costco refunds your membership fee in full—a policy that removes the risk of trying the warehouse once.

Prices and membership costs can shift, so confirm current rates at the Conway location or on Costco's website before you visit. The warehouse accepts cash, debit, credit cards (Visa preferred), and checks.

What shoppers actually save

The savings math depends on what you buy and how much you spend. Bulk items—paper products, cleaning supplies, frozen foods, pantry staples—typically cost 20 to 40 percent less per unit than grocery store prices. A family of four that buys these items regularly can recoup the $60 Gold Star membership fee within a few months of shopping.

Costco's gas station (located at the Conway warehouse) usually undercuts local gas prices by 10 to 20 cents per gallon. If you fill up twice a month, the gas savings alone can cover your annual membership. Pharmacy prices and prescription discounts also appeal to shoppers with regular medication needs.

The catch: Costco requires you to buy in bulk, which means larger upfront costs and the need for storage space. A single purchase of paper towels, toilet paper, or frozen vegetables can run $30 to $50. For retirees, seasonal residents, and families with children, this trade-off makes sense. For single people or those with limited storage, the warehouse model may not pay off.

The membership card requirement

You must present a valid Costco membership card to enter the warehouse and make purchases. This is a hard rule—the store does not allow browsing or shopping without membership. The card is tied to your name and membership tier, and only the person whose name is on the card can use it (though a household member added to your account can use a second card).

If you forget your card, you can show your digital membership card through the Costco app on your phone. If you do not have the app or a card, you can visit the membership desk inside the warehouse to get a temporary pass for that day, though this is meant as an occasional accommodation, not a regular workaround.

Why seasonal residents and retirees join

Myrtle Beach's large population of seasonal residents and retirees—particularly snowbirds who spend winters here—find Costco membership worth the cost because they shop year-round and benefit from the bulk pricing on staples. Many join for a single season and cancel if they do not return, using Costco's full-refund policy to recover their money.

The social element also matters. Warehouse shopping has become a leisure activity for many retirees, who treat a Costco trip as an outing and a chance to sample new products. The free samples offered throughout the warehouse on weekends add to this appeal.

Seasonal residents also value Costco's return policy, which allows you to return almost any item for a full refund if you are not satisfied—no questions asked. For people buying in bulk for the first time, this removes the risk of wasting money on products they do not like or use.

How Costco's Conway location fits the retail landscape

Myrtle Beach has multiple grocery chains (Food Lion, Lowe's Foods, Harris Teeter, Bi-Lo) and big-box retailers (Walmart, Target), but Costco operates differently. It does not compete on selection or convenience—it competes on price and value for committed shoppers. The warehouse model requires membership, limits hours (typically 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Sundays), and focuses on bulk quantities.

This positioning means Costco draws a specific customer: someone who plans ahead, buys in volume, and values per-unit savings over shopping convenience. The Conway location's success reflects both the local population's size and the seasonal influx of visitors who maintain memberships year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shop at Costco without a membership?

No. Costco requires a valid membership card to enter the warehouse and make purchases. You cannot browse or shop without membership. If you forget your card, you can use the digital card in the Costco app or get a temporary pass at the membership desk.

Do I have to buy in bulk to make membership worth it?

Not necessarily. If you use the gas station, pharmacy, or travel discounts regularly, those benefits alone can offset the membership cost. But the warehouse's main appeal is bulk pricing, so households that buy staples in volume see the biggest savings.

What if I join for one season and do not return?

Costco refunds your membership fee in full if you cancel within the first year, no questions asked. Many seasonal residents use this policy to join for a winter season and get their money back if they do not return.

Does Costco accept all payment methods?

Costco accepts cash, debit, checks, and Visa credit cards. It does not accept Mastercard or American Express. The warehouse also has an ATM on-site if you need cash.

Can I add a family member to my membership?

Yes. You can add one household member to your account for $60, and they receive their own membership card. Both of you can shop using your respective cards.