Discount grocery store chain WinCo is planning to move into the former Costco building in North Kalispell at the Spring Prairie Center. 

WinCo Foods submitted to the city preliminary plans for a building permit, according to PJ Sorensen, Kalispell’s director of development.  

“It looks like they are going to demo the inside of the building and make some signage and landscaping changes outside, but there is no major change of use,” Sorensen said.  

Architectural and structural plans, and civil and landscaping plans submitted to the city are currently under review. 

WinCo Foods did not respond to inquiries before press time.  

The warehouse style stores offer bulk buying options for groceries and household items. The company has more than 120 stores across the West., expanding into Montana in early 2019 by opening locations in Billings, Helena and Missoula. 

While the store does not require membership, it does not accept credit card payments, and customers are expected to bag their own items — both measures that aim to keep prices low, according to the company. 

Most of the stores are open 24 hours and seven days a week, with the exception of certain holidays.

Costco originally moved into the 136,000-square-foot Spring Prairie location in 2006. The retailer moved out of the building last year and into its new, larger store farther north at North Town Center.

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4440 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.