Since its arrival on Japan's shores a quarter-century ago, American membership-only warehouse food and home goods club retailer Costco has grown significantly and evolved into being seen by many as a consumption-driven savior for struggling local economies.An increasing number of cities and towns are investing in hopes of attracting a Costco megastore by preparing potential sites and road infrastructure, banking on the aggressive business expansion plans of the company's Japanese unit to boost their coffers.Hopes are high for economic ripple effects such as job creation and increased tax re…READ FULL ARTICLE
