A bulk-buying discount chain is to open its first store in Kent.

It has been announced that Costco is looking to launch a branch in Maidstone or Medway.

Costco has 29 warehouses across the UK and more than 800 worldwide.

The retailer has partnered with property developer Chase Commercial Limited to introduce a number of new sites.

They plan on opening 14 new branches, one of which is planned for “Maidstone or M20/Medway Towns”.

It will be the first ever Costco to launch in Kent – with the current closest store in Lakeside in Essex.

Other stores set to open include north west and south west Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Gloucester/Cheltenham, Nottingham, Exeter, Preston, Crawley, Brighton, Chelmsford, Belfast, Cambridge and Oxford.

The American company stocks a variety of supermarket products and some luxury goods, as well as electronics, furniture, appliances, jewellery and more.

Club members, who pay an annual fee, can buy bulk quantities of items which are sold at discounted prices.

Memberships start from £15 a year for online shopping and £33.60 for customers who want to use the warehouses.

Those who have businesses can get one starting from £26.40.

‘We are seeking 6-12 acre sites to provide 150,000 sq ft buildings with 650 parking spaces...’

You also must have a certain type of job, or be retired from one.

This includes education and medical industries, as well as the armed forces, local government and banking/finance.

Justin Parker, director at Chase Commercial said: ‘’We are really pleased to be partnered with Costco Wholesale UK to deliver further warehouse clubs for them throughout the UK.

“Costco has an excellent planning and performance track record and are entirely self-funded.

“We are seeking 6-12 acre sites to provide 150,000 sq ft buildings with 650 parking spaces and the ability to develop a Petrol Filling & EV Station.”

Cllr Lauren Edwards, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Inward Investment, said: “We welcome the news that wholesaler Costco is looking to open its first store in Kent and that it is considering opening a branch in Medway.

“A new store would be great for our residents; it would create new jobs and opportunities and have a positive impact on our local economy.

“We have contacted Costco and are looking forward to further discussions on the opportunities available in Medway.”