IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING! This October will mark one year since the big-box retailer submitted its plan details to the Eau Claire City Council, and this November, it will officially open its doors. (Photo via Costco site)

While the day following Thanksgiving is typically the one known for door-busting deals, this year, Wednesday, Nov. 22 may be the more exciting date for locals. Costco released the opening date for its tenth Wisconsin location – Eau Claire – on its website.

The big-box retailer filed its Chippewa Valley plans with the City of Eau Claire last fall and since, locals have anxiously awaited an opening date. With construction currently underway at 1476 Black Ave. on Eau Claire’s east side, the new Costco will be about 160,000 square feet with a free-standing member-only car wash, member-only gas station and two additional undeveloped commercial lots. 

"The opening date (of the Eau Claire warehouse) can change anytime as we are at the mercy of construction. ... We are shooting for right before Thanksgiving!"

KAYLA CAMPILLO

COSTCO'S MIDWEST REGIONAL MARKETING MANAGER

Costco's Midwest regional marketing manager, Kayla Campillo, said the retailer chooses to open in communities that meet three points: communities that want Costco in their own backyard, have a great pool of local talent to work with and for Costco, and meets its overall demographic of people who are often homeowners or business owners looking for a great deal. 

"The opening date (of the Eau Claire warehouse) can change anytime as we are at the mercy of construction," Campillo said. "We are shooting for right before Thanksgiving!"

Costco plans on hiring about 200 employees from the Chippewa Valley with its new location. Hours of operation once open will be the same as all other Costco warehouses: Monday-Friday from 10am-8:30pm, Saturday from 9:30am-6pm, and Sunday from 10am-6pm. 

Costco is a membership-only retail store, boasting 124.7 million cardholders in total, memberships available to those 18 years and older. Memberships are available in two tiers: Executive ($120/year) and Gold Star ($60/year). The Executive membership offers 2% annual rewards, includes two membership cards, Costco Services discounts, ability to shop online and in warehouses and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. The Gold Star memberships includes all of the above, without the 2% annual reward or Costco Services discount.

Costco Services include insurance, home, auto, or business needs. The new area Costco will also offer pharmacy services, its Tire Service Center, Optical department, Hearing Aid Center, and more alongside its massive grocer offerings.

Costco has a temporary business office at 3085 Meadowlark Lane, Suite 20, Altoona, open on weekdays from 9am-7pm and weekends from 10am-6pm, according to its website. It is not a retail warehouse. 

Learn more about Costco on its website.