Costco (Bismarck, North Dakota)

 store / shop, Costco, under construction

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While some in the city government are reviewing site plans and architectural designs for Costco, business leaders are analyzing its impact on the community.

The only other Costco in the state is located in Fargo. Officials say the addition of one in Bismarck will attract more people to the city.

“Costco contributes to that economy and its going to bring shoppers from western North Dakota, northern South Dakota, eastern Montana, and that’s where the impact lies economically,” said Brian Ritter, president of the Bismarck-Mandan EDC.

Costco anticipates employing between 150 and 175 people.

“Bismarck-Mandan unemployment rate right now is around 2.2%. We've got right around 2,750 open jobs. So if we’re going to bring in that many more jobs to our community, what that retailer or any other one is going to have to do is position themselves as an employer of choice,” said Ritter.

City officials will have the initial review done by Friday.

In the site plans, Costco says they plan to begin full construction in the spring of 2020 with a later summer opening.