Rimouski Businesses Adapt to the Arrival of Costco
So, big news in Rimouski — the long-anticipated Costco has finally opened its doors, and naturally, it’s making waves across the region. After months, even years, of debate and mixed emotions, the 150,000 square-foot warehouse store is officially in business as of August 5th. And whether you're thrilled or concerned, there’s no denying it’s a game-changer.
Now, what's really interesting here isn’t just the size or the low prices — though let’s be honest, 200 new permanent jobs and 18 gas pumps already in service since July are nothing to ignore. What’s getting attention is how local businesses are choosing to react to this retail giant setting up shop right next to Highway 20.
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At first, many local entrepreneurs were pretty vocal — and not in a good way. There were serious concerns about how smaller grocery stores, clothing boutiques, and even gas stations would survive the competition. But now that the building is up and customers are already queuing outside, many are switching gears. Rather than resisting, they’re asking, “How do we ride this wave?”
Vincent Bouchard, co-owner of the Nomade boutiques in Rimouski and Sainte-Luce, summed it up well — the store is here, so the best move is to find a positive angle. He's hoping Costco's traffic will bring curious shoppers into the downtown core. Marie-Ève Boulet, from the Librairie-Boutique Vénus, is thinking the same — if people are already in town for bulk deals, why not entice them to explore local gems too?
But there's still work to do. For instance, Rimouski’s Chamber of Commerce is pushing for more signage near the Costco exit — they want people to know the city has a vibrant downtown just minutes away. Parking is another issue; while Costco offers free and spacious parking, downtown still has a tight 15-minute limit before fines kick in — a detail that could drive potential customers away if it’s not fixed soon.
Sure, there are some tough spots ahead. Local food markets and clothing shops may feel the pressure. But not everyone is panicking. Places like the Alphabet bookstore, which has been around for 50 years, feel confident they’ll hold their ground, especially since Costco is pulling back on book sales in North America. That’s a clear opportunity for niche and community-focused businesses.
In the end, this isn’t just a retail story — it’s a local economy story. It’s about how a community can pivot, adapt, and even thrive when a big player enters the scene. The arrival of Costco could mark a turning point for Rimouski — not just in how people shop, but in how businesses think about opportunity, resilience, and collaboration.
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