As the grand opening of Costco in Napa approaches, excitement builds with just two days remaining. Shoppers are already gathering outside the expansive 157,417-square-foot location, eager to access bulk groceries and home essentials at unbeatable prices.

Among the early arrivals is Allen Le, who traveled from Sacramento to join the queue. He humorously mentioned his purpose for being there: to stock up on “some booze.” Allen also shared that the Costco staff had been kind enough to provide pizza for those waiting, ensuring they are comfortable during their wait.

On the day of the opening, which falls on Friday, employees anticipate that the line will extend around the large warehouse, highlighting the eagerness of the community to get inside.

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this significant event.

Costco members residing in Napa can now enjoy the convenience of a nearby store, eliminating the need to drive to Fairfield or Vallejo, or make the trek over the Mayacamas to Santa Rosa. The new location is situated at 280 Riversound Way, right off Highway 221.

It is positioned at the southwest corner of Kaiser Road and Riversound Way, formerly known as Syar Way, just to the west of Napa Valley Corporate Drive.

This Costco store is a key component of a 154-acre redevelopment of the former Napa Pipe plant adjacent to the Napa River. The housing and commercial development project is referred to as RiverSound.

The regular operating hours for the store will be:

• Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

As noted on the Costco website, the Napa location will feature a food court, bakery, pharmacy, optical department, and a hearing aid center. Please be aware that the pharmacy will be closed on Sundays.

In addition to the tire service center, these offerings are available at the gas station, which operates every day of the week.

The gas station officially opened on October 10 and is beginning to draw in customers as the news spreads. It features 32 fueling stations and as of Wednesday afternoon, gasoline prices stood at $4.29 for regular and $4.69 for premium per gallon.

Operating hours for the gas station are from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

The new store will feature the largest selection of wine at any Costco across the nation, according to a manager’s statement shared with The Press Democrat.

On Friday, October 18, a ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Costco will have a “special guest” to serve as the announcer for this momentous occasion. Additionally, whiskey representatives will be present to sign bottles, including the San Francisco 49ers Gold Bar, marking the store’s grand opening.

Following the ceremony, the store will officially open its doors to customers at 8 a.m., with regular business hours commencing on Saturday.

Customers who register for an annual membership and opt for automatic renewal by November 17 will receive digital gift cards worth up to $40 to use at Costco.

Signing up for an Executive membership, which costs $130 annually, will entitle you to a $40 gift card. Meanwhile, a Gold Star membership at $65 per year will grant a $20 gift card. Leading up to Friday, Costco has organized tents at the new location for those interested in signing up for memberships.

Additionally, Costco typically introduces unique items to boost sales at its newly opened locations. The specifics will be disclosed when the doors open on Friday.

Over 300 individuals have been recruited to work at the new Costco in Napa.

You can contact Tarini Mehta at 707-521-5337 or tarini.mehta@pressdemocrat.com. Follow on X (Twitter) @MehtaTarini.