Duluth Costco open for bulk shopping

Bulk shoppers can go to sleep happy Thursday night. The Duluth Costco store is open.

"Happy Costco Day to those who celebrate!" Mayor Emily Larson said at the 7:45 a.m. ribbon cutting.

Shoppers were allowed in at 8 a.m. Among them were Ruby Bee and Debra Shonka of South Superior, Wis.

"We always buy our coffee from Costco, different things that we have to either send someone to a Costco," Shonka said. "We’re thrilled we’ve got our own now."

"I got a nice flier in the mail from Costco, so I looked to see what exactly I need and created my list," Bee said, "but I think I’m going off the list already because I see my first purchase."

The general manager was one of the happiest to see people start filling their carts. He was born and raised in Duluth but has worked at seven other Costcos, mostly in the Twin Cities area.

"It’s just awesome to be home. The family and the community in this area has been outstanding. Great support," John Kuzas said. "My mom is here today, the rest of my family is here today, so it’s just awesome to be here."

He also said the timing is perfect ahead of the holidays.

"You’re going to find a lot of things that you might not find elsewhere right now, including the PS5s and the Xbox," Kuzas said.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day except Saturday, when they open at 9:30 a.m.

Memberships start at $60 and can be purchased online or in the store.