COVINGTON, La. — To say the excitement has been growing about the new Covington Costco off of I-12 would be an understatement. Fans of the store created a Facebook page months ago that now has thousands of followers.
But what can we expect for opening day on Wednesday, Aug. 28? General Manager, David Hernandez, invited WWL Louisiana's Lily Cummings to check it out.
“Everybody’s excited, but I don’t think anybody’s more excited than my staff," Hernandez said.
Hernandez praised his 180-member team that has been stocking and preparing for the big day for months.
On Monday evening, the team was cleaning and assembling final displays across the 150,000-square-foot warehouse.
“We’re proud to show off all the hard work we’ve done over the last few months," Hernandez said.
Hernandez said shoppers can expect surprises on Wednesday.
“Yes, we expect a full crowd so get here early. You know we’ve got some items that were brought in specifically for our opening," Hernandez said.
If you've shopped at the Costco in New Orleans, you already know the drill. It's aisles of food and household products that save you money by buying in bulk.
Plus, they have automotive, clothes, tech and even travel deals.
Hernandez said what's in the center of the store is what you should watch for. He called it the 'seasonal' section.
When the store opens Wednesday, you'll find decorative skeletons, nutcrackers and 7-foot bears towering over you. Hernandez said if you don't buy those items when you see them, they're likely to be gone next time you shop.
“We’ve got a lot of wild items as we call it. Maybe things they’re just not expecting to see. So, it brings that real treasure hunt and excitement to the building," Hernandez said.
The store has already sold roughly 5,000 memberships, Hernandez said.
And did we mention there are snacks? The famous $1.50 hotdog and drink combo will be there.
“The hotdogs will always be $1.50, and that will never change. I can assure you," Hernandez said.
So, whether you're stopping by for a snack or a shopping splurge, the cash registers will be uncovered on Wednesday, and the store will be ready to boost the Northshore's economy.
You can purchase memberships at the store or online. The store opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
The gas pumps are already open.
