City Council President Steve McAllister called it a “shot in the dark” yesterday. And that shot has generated more feedback that he imagined possible.

After following reports that Costco has backed away from Cranston for what would be their first store in the Ocean State, McAllister reached out to Costco’s regional vice president with the suggestion the company take a look at Warwick.

“There’s not harm in asking,” McAllister said Wednesday. That opened the door and an exchange of emails. Now Costco representatives and someone the company has retained to help with the search are planning to visit Warwick next Thursday. In addition to himself, McAllister said Mayor Frank Picozzi and City Planner Thomas Kravitz would be representing the city.

Costco looked at the former Ann & Hope property on Post Road which gave the planning department some specifics on the size of property Costco is looking for several years ago. Since then U-Haul is developing the site as an operational base and rental location.

Is there the space for a Costco?

“I think Route 2 would be perfect fit ,” McAllister said. “I’m not looking to put it in a neighborhood.”

McAllister, who is the Eastern Region Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce,  notes there are multiple big box stores and plazas on Route 2 that conceivably could become available or welcome Costco as a tenant. He pointed to the vacant Christmas Tree Shop when questioned by the news media, which was picked up the social media, sparking a lot of buzz.

“I’ve never heard from so many friends and family. The word is spreading,” he said adding with a laugh, “we’re not scheduling a ribbon cutting just yet.”

McAllister didn’t have specifics on the size of property Costco would need. He said his understanding is that Costco would have a gas station on the site.

Regardless of whether Costco pans out or not, McAllister said the fact the company is willing to look at the city sends a positive message to other companies considering Warwick.

“Part of the job as councilman is to advocate for the city. I’m already taking this as a win,” he said.