Sacramento’s retail landscape is getting a major upgrade, and it has everything to do with the future of transportation. Rivian, the electric vehicle maker, has signed a long-term lease at the former Fry’s Electronics building on Northgate Boulevard near I-80—and next year, that vacant retail shell transforms into a hub for EV showrooms, test drives, and service.
This isn’t just another commercial real estate deal. City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan highlighted what actually matters: jobs. The facility will bring new positions in management, sales, service, and customer support to Sacramento. For a city still recovering economically post-pandemic, that kind of employment growth in an emerging sector signals something bigger—a region positioning itself in the EV transition, not getting left behind.
The space itself makes sense. Northgate Boulevard’s visibility and highway access create the perfect landing spot for a dealership-plus-service model. The facility will include a showroom (where buyers can eyeball these sleek electric rigs), a demonstration area (for the crucial test-drive moment), and a full vehicle service center. Translation: Sacramento residents won’t have to drive to the Bay Area or LA to buy or maintain a Rivian.
What this also signals is confidence. Rivian choosing Sacramento over dozens of other markets suggests the company sees real demand here. Whether that’s wealthy early adopters in the suburbs, tech-forward professionals, or simply Californians ready to ditch gas—it’s a vote of confidence in our region’s readiness to go electric.
With an opening expected sometime next year, the countdown is on. The former Fry’s building, which sat dormant for years after the electronics retailer’s collapse, gets a second act. And Sacramento gets a front-row seat to the EV revolution.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
