Regional Businesses Boom Due to Costco Multiplier Effect: 1.8 million new shoppers visit Scarborough per year, local businesses benefit

Published: November 13, 2025

November 13, 2025 – SCARBOROUGH, Maine – M&R Development, the multidisciplinary development company behind The Downs – a 577-acre master-planned community and home to Maine’s first Costco – has released new data showing the retail giant’s economic impact to the region. Using Placer.AI data, a software program that tracks ‘shopper journey,’ shows nearly 2 million people are visiting nearly one thousand different businesses in Scarborough right before, or right after their Costco visit.

“We are certainly seeing a lot of new faces at the farm, which is wonderful for a family-owned business like Flaherty’s,” said Cindy Flaherty, Owner, Flaherty’s Farm. Founded 84 years ago, Flaherty’s Family Farm is still run by family members, and has expanded to include an event barn, farm stand and equestrian center. “Typically, we know our customers, which is what we love about being a local business, but the upside of having new development in town is the increased business,” Flaherty said.

Placer.AI software tracks how long Mainers are driving to visit the retail giant; how long they shop; how much they spend; and other visitation patterns. Data from Costco’s first full year in operation in Maine shows:

  • 1.8 million people visited
  • Average drive time is 40 minutes
  • Average visit is 45 minutes with an average sale of $84 – that’s twice as long and as much as the average visit to a local grocer
  • Shoppers also patronized just under 1,000+ regional businesses before or after their visit to Costco, including:
    • Scarborough Gallery: Homegoods, Marshalls, PetSmart, and Lowe’s
    • Gateway Shoppes: Sea Dog Brewing, Portland Pie, and Cabela’s
    • Oak Hill Plaza: Ace Hardware, Oak Hill Beverage, and a variety of small and large retailers
    • Independent local shops: Dairy Corner, Flaherty’s Family Farm, On the Vine, Dunstan Tap and Table, and Len Libby and many more

“This data is a powerful story for both national and local brands,” said Tom Wilder, Principal, Wilder, The Downs national leasing agent. “Costco and Cabela’s are already attracting strong traffic, and with Market Basket set to open in 2026, there is strong momentum to continue driving millions to the region. Scarborough’s Town Center is poised to become a best-in-class destination that feels authentically Maine,” Wilder adds.

“It is tough to know what drives people through the door – one day it could be the weather, and the next it could be a big game. But is very cool that so many new people are dining with us thanks to Costco being in town,” said Jen Breneman, Owner, Dunstan Tap and Table, a locally owned restaurant located near Pine Point Beach. “Business begets business, and the more we can attract to Scarborough, the stronger our local economy will be,” Brenerman added.

“This data highlights the deeply connected relationship between Maine’s large and small businesses,” said Quincy Hentzel, President & CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses make up the vast majority of our economy and workforce, but large employers play a crucial role as well by attracting people to a region and creating a ripple effect that benefits smaller enterprises across the community,” Hentzel added.

Scarborough’s large businesses are also experiencing an increase in visitors. Placer.AI data shows Cabela’s Scarborough store is now ranked third in the nation out of 35 stores. Prior to Costco opening, Cabela’s had only ranked 10th which demonstrates a dramatic jump in sales.

Scarborough has been ranked the sixth largest economy in the state, and is often recognized as one of the fastest growing and wealthiest communities in Maine by a variety of sources. Much of that growth and success can be attributed to The Downs. Located just south of two major highways and minutes from the Portland Jetport, the successful mixed-use redevelopment is centered around a live, work, play master plan.

Since 2018, The Downs has added 700 diverse homes with just under 1,000 residents living there. 80% of the units are 1- and 2-bedroom, which create a minimal impact to the municipal budget. The master plan includes adding 1,300 more units over the course of construction. The Innovation District is home to fifty businesses, including IDEXX, Throttle, and Mainely Tubs, which have brought over 1,000 new jobs to Scarborough. The Town Center is currently anchored by Market Street, which houses The Allagash Bungalow and a half dozen businesses; Market Basket and InterMed are under construction. Also in the Town Center, 96 highly-amenitized Cross Street condominium units are on the market for sale.

“We have welcomed many new customers, and we like to see Scarborough bringing in new residents and businesses to town – our economy benefits from that,” Dimitrios Mihos, Owner, Romeos Pizza.“Over the next few months we’ll be making exciting new announcements about new retailers and restaurants coming to town,” said Jake Michaud, Director of Leasing, M&R Development. “The interest in The Downs has been energizing, and our team is committed to getting this right for Scarborough,” Michaud added.

For media inquiries: Diana Nelson, 978-985-9993, diana@blackflymedia.com
For commercial leasing inquiries: Ryan Feinberg, rfeinberg@wilderco.com
For residential leasing inquiries: Maria Risbara, mrisbara@mainepropertiesllc.com
For residential sales: Amy Foley, 207-730-307, amy@scovillefoleyhomes.com

##