In just ten days the Costco warehouse will be packed with shoppers and workers.

General Manager Greg Brenner says he is proud of the hundreds of jobs Costco provided for those out of work in Acadiana.

With Thousands being out of work during the devastating downturn of the oil and gas industry, many of the unemployed have found work here in the Hub City at the new Ambassador Town Center.

Costco’s General Manager Greg Brenner says the store alone has hired nearly two hundred former oil and gas workers.

“A lot of oil and gas industry folks. We hired about 160 local employees so we definitely have a lot of highly skilled individuals working for us.”

Brenner says the 148,000 square foot store received about 7,000 job applications over the past several months.

He adds that he’s excited the store could help get local residents back in the workforce.

“We’re definitely going to have a real positive impact. It is a unique time to open up with the economic situation here, but we want to hold onto our employees and give them opportunities.”

Chastin Dickerson who previously worked in the oil and gas industry says,

“Whenever you’re sitting around and you don’t know if you’re going to have a job it kind of worries you, so I think coming into this industry is a little more stable.”

Dickerson says he is very thankful for the opportunities Costco provided for him.

“I was out of the oil field since November 30, so I was excited to get back in the workforce.”

Costco’s Grand opening will be next week on March 17, 2016.