Photo by Sophie Geske

The warehouse that is also a grocery store; how efficient.

One of my favorite stores just opened up in Eau Claire.

The long-awaited opening of Costco has officially arrived. Initially, they planned to open on Nov. 22, but was pushed back to Nov. 30 due to construction delays.

I’ll just say it was worth the wait.

My first Costco experience was in California when I was visiting some family. My family and I really enjoyed our time there. It was different from most other grocery stores. When one finally opened in my hometown, we immediately got a membership and haven’t turned back since.

When I heard Eau Claire was officially getting one as well, I was elated.

I bought my membership before the store even opened.

It is one of those stores that has everything. Whatever you need you can get there. Need some fruit? Got it. Need some new sweatpants? They have it. Air fryer? For sure. Car tires? Yup!

They have so many different things and they’re all split up into sections. Not only that, but they also have name-brand items. When I went to check it out, the clothing section had Nike, Champion, Fila and more.

There are many items that you can buy in bulk, so you always have extra. That goes for food and many other household items. If it is non-perishable, you can store things, so you have enough for the whole year.

Their prices are pretty good, too. I have found a lot of deals on items there both at their regular price and even more when they have sales.

Each month they will send a little booklet in the mail. It has all the different deals they will have for the upcoming month. It is fun to flip through it and circle things you want with a pen, like a little kid with the presents they want for Christmas.

If you want even more of a discount, they also have their own brand called Kirkland Signature which sells similar items, typically at a slightly cheaper price.

I could walk around Costco for hours. Yes, partially because it is so large, but also there are so many different and new things to look at.

I love being able to get my favorite snacks in bulk; it saves me both trips to the grocery store and money. Plus, I am able to get fruits and vegetables at a better price for my college budget.

Many people get hungry over the period it takes for us to shop. Costco thought of that and put a food court near the exit. Their portions are generous, and the prices are good.

A large hot dog and 20-ounce soda is only $1.50, or you can get a large slice of pizza for $2. What a way to end a shopping trip.

I have talked to a lot of people about Costco, and the consensus is that people are pretty happy with it.

Personally, I think it is kind of cool to have a membership. You get exclusive deals, plus you’re able to take a guest or two with you, so they are also able to experience the joy that is Costco.

Geske can be reached at [email protected].