Famous retail company Costco opened its first branch in Napa, California, on Friday to great acclaim.
The new location is estimated to bring 350 jobs to the area, according to Napa Vice Mayor Bernie Narvaez, ABC 7 News reported. The store says it will offer the largest selection of wines in the United States. (Related article: Costco reportedly denies selling bulk baby oil for now-infamous ‘freak-offs’)
“It’s huge and they have some really great things that Costco doesn’t carry, but they add flavor to things that are already in the area,” California resident Justin Altarez said.
“Well, some people were waiting in line all night and I think they were there probably for several days, so it looks like the demand is right there,” Narváez said.
“Anything that creates jobs is good for the economy and good for our business community. You know, it increases competition,” the deputy mayor added.
Corey Culp, a Costco regular, expressed enthusiasm for boasting about the wine selection. “They’re better, that’s what we’re here for!” he said. “We’re a wine country, so the more selection we have, the better.”
Video of long lines of shoppers attending Costco’s grand opening was shared by California news outlet The Press Democrat. “Early Friday morning, the doors of Napa County’s first Costco opened to a long line of shoppers from locally and from neighboring counties,” the newspaper wrote.
Napa County’s first Costco opened its doors early Friday morning to a long line of shoppers from both local and neighboring counties. https://t.co/ccXJO784N3 pic.twitter.com/c7L1duag49
— Press Democratic Party (@NorthBayNews) October 18, 2024
“Now that it’s only 10 minutes from my house, it’s probably going to hurt my wallet,” said Scott Simpson, a local resident. said Press Democratic Party.
“It’s exciting,” Napa Mayor Scott Sedley said. “The most asked question last year wasn’t when homes would be built or when highway projects would be completed. When would Costco open? I like to get things, but now I don’t have to drive far to get them.”
Local residents told ABC 7 News that they used to have to drive an hour to shop at the nearest Costco store.
