The community reacts to Costco’s cancellation

On November 8, 2024By Pranco

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – The long-awaited construction project that was set to bring Costco to Mesa County has been canceled.

Grand Junction residents react.

“I guess that’s the way they do it around here,” said a man who asked to be called “Pink Pastor.”

“The more things come and the faster they come, the easier it is. It just makes our lives happier and more convenient, said Grand Junction resident Kimberly Basham.

The store was planned for a lot near the intersection of I-70 and 24 Road.

According to city councilor Anna Stout, the reasoning comes down to financial considerations.

“We’re looking at two things that really had an impact on how this pencil is released for Costco,” she said. “The first is that the soils at the site are extremely complex, and second, and this is no surprise to anyone, construction costs across the country and even here locally have escalated significantly.”

Stout said the city hasn’t lost any money and that another retailer may be interested in taking Costco’s place. No information has been released about what the retailer might be.

“What we’ve been told is it’s not a no forever, it’s a no right now,” Stout said. “Costco continues to have a tremendous interest in our community and in our market and we hope that there will be a time in the near future when this pencil will be good for them and we can welcome Costco to the community.”

Community members share these thoughts.

“I would like to see a Costco come to Grand Junction. They have a lot of different items that I don’t think I can get my hands on very well here, and I know some people who actually drive there in other places,” said Basham.

“Maybe I want it sooner rather than later, so I’m not really into college. By the time that happens,” said Grace Burk, a CMU student.