Costco’s new, larger Bend store just days away from opening; members eager to check it out

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ Just days away, the final touches are being completed on Central Oregon's new Costco, and members are excited to check it all out. The new store off Cooley Road is much larger than the former location at the Forum Shopping Center.

The new Costco opens Saturday at 8 a.m., just 15 hours after the old northeast Bend store closes, at 5 p.m. Friday.

One member told us they plan on getting up at 2 a.m. Saturday, just to get in line.

Employees pf the warehouse retail store tell us they're ready to welcome the community to their new location.

Michael Biven, a membership marketer for Costco, told us that Central Oregon's rapid growth brought rising demand at the store - which made parking "a nightmare."

"It is hopefully just adapting with the community, because of how fast it's rapidly growing," Biven said.

More than 400 employees will be working at the new store, and Costco says it's still hiring to fill some of those positions.

Along with the warehouse, the new location has a large gas station with 32 pumps, about 300 more parking spots and a two-story pharmacy.

Biven said Costco workers are at the new location this week, offering new member sign-ups with a special promotion until opening day.

The previous location will be put up for sale, he said, with hopes it'll be purchased by another retailer in the future.