New ‘Costco like’ store opening May 1 in Butte

The Three Bears warehouse-style grocery store is expected to open its doors in Butte May 1.

Shane Ford, the store’s manager, gave a presentation about the new store Tuesday at the Chamber of Commerce.

Ford said the Alaska-based Three Bears will take possession of the property and the new 62,000-square-foot building by March 15. The store should be open for business by May, he said.

Ford described the new grocery store as a combination between a Sam’s Club and Costco. The store will sell items both in bulk and singles.

“It’s something a little different than what you’re used to,” he said.

The store is slated to open at 45 Three Bears Drive, which will run north-south between Olympic Way and Mount Highland Drive, just off Continental Drive by the Interstate 90 interchange.

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Ford said the store will hire between 80 to 90 employees, and will include a pharmacy and butcher on-site. The store has already hired former Butte resident Mike Fisk, brother of Butte High teacher Chris Fisk, as the pharmacist.

The store will also include a Conoco gas station, which will offer regular gas and diesel. Gas can only be paid for with a credit card at the pump, Ford said.

The entire project of purchasing the property and building the store cost about $8 million, said Ford, who managed the Wal-Mart store in Butte for nine years.

Dan Berube, chapter chairman of SCORE, to whom Ford talked, said he believes the store will be a good addition to the city.

“I hope it all works out and draws more shoppers (to Butte) from surrounding areas,” Berube said.

SCORE is a resource for the Small Business Administration and its volunteers provide free confidential advice to anyone wanting to start or improve a small business.

— Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at or by telephone, 496-5511.

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