Napa is getting its first Costco

NAPA, California. – Excitement is growing among Napa and surrounding areas as the city will open its first Costco, a store that will be tailored specifically to the Wine Country location.

The grand opening of the new club warehouse, located at 280 Riversound Way, off Highway 221, will take place on Friday.

For the past few days, people have been camping out, setting up chairs and tents outside the store, waiting to be the first customers.

Costco management told KTVU that the first campers showed up on Saturday or Sunday last weekend and the line has since expanded.

Customers can expect the store to recognize its Wine Country location.

“The wine selection will be one of the largest at our grand openings,” management said.

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The new building is part of a decade-long residential and commercial redevelopment project called Riversound.

The 154,000 square foot store will include a gas station and electric vehicle charging station at its location.

The store is a key anchor and driving force of Napa's vision for integrating “light industrial” zones into the city, zones described as more consumer-oriented and less capital and energy intensive compared to heavy industrial areas.

“The new Costco in Riversound is a great example of how modern businesses can bridge the line between retail and light industry,” the city of Napa said in an economic development news release in July. “Although Costco is known primarily as a retail store, it also includes extensive warehousing and distribution operations,” city officials added.

The city also said the retailer will create more jobs for the community and be an important source of revenue.

“Costco is expected to become the largest single source of sales tax revenue for the city. This influx of revenue will provide critical funding for city services and infrastructure improvements, benefiting all residents,” Napa officials said.

The Napa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning at 7:30 a.m

The Napa location is expected to be followed by another major Costco opening in the Bay Area, as the company prepares to open a warehouse in Pleasanton next month.