Costco to Open First Buffalo Area Store in Amherst

The retailer will launch its new Amherst location this Wednesday following police efforts to manage early shopper crowds.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Costco to Open First Buffalo Area Store in Amherst

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Costco is set to open its first store in the Buffalo area in Amherst at 8 a.m. this Wednesday. Local officials have intervened to prevent shoppers from camping out on the premises before the grand opening.

Why it matters

The opening marks a major retail expansion for the region, drawing significant public interest and anticipated traffic surges. Authorities are balancing this economic development with the need to maintain public order and safety on the property.

Thousands of patrons are expected to arrive by 7 a.m. Wednesday for the 8 a.m. grand opening. One local resident had already spent 14 hours waiting on the property before police involvement.

The players

Costco

This membership-only warehouse club operates an international chain of retail stores offering a wide variety of bulk merchandise.

Amherst Police Department

This municipal law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining public safety and managing traffic flow within the city of Amherst.

The details

Amherst Police cleared the property at 9 p.m. Tuesday after shoppers began arriving as early as 6 p.m. that evening. The department will continue to monitor traffic patterns throughout Wednesday morning to ensure the site remains orderly.

Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Shoppers began lining up at the property.
Tuesday, 9 p.m.: Police asked shoppers to leave the property.
Wednesday, 7 a.m.: Expected arrival of several thousand shoppers.
Wednesday, 8 a.m.: Costco grand opening.

Market Landscape

This opening reflects a broader trend of major retailers expanding their physical footprint into previously underserved suburban markets. By entering the Buffalo area, the company is intensifying competition with existing regional retail chains to capture a larger portion of local consumer spending.

Shoppers should anticipate heavy traffic and potential delays in the immediate vicinity of the store throughout Wednesday morning. Residents planning to visit should check for any updated parking or access advisories issued by local authorities.

The takeaway

Large retail grand openings often generate significant congestion, making early arrival times highly competitive. Residents can save time by reviewing local traffic updates before heading to the new store site.