Thousands sample wares on first day at Costco’s new warehouse

SEQUIM — Here’s breakfast: Pork chops, whole wheat flax seed fettucine, Tony Roma barbecued beef sandwiches, eggplant hummus, top sirloin steak, Kirkland signature bacon, blue cheese Angus burgers, Nathan’s all-beef smokies and Stacy’s soy thin crisps with no trans fats.

There’s more, but chances are you’re getting full.

During Thursday’s grand opening of Costco Wholesale’s Washington Street warehouse, the front of the store, with its food court full of pizza, salad and raspberry sundaes, was deserted.

You’d think nobody cared that the giant had come to Sequim after nine months of buildup.

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But then you’d venture into the grazing zones, where herds of tasters circulated among tables laden with white sample cups.

The warehouse opened 15 minutes ahead of schedule, at 7:45 a.m., and in the first 45 minutes, 266 “shopping groups” — which can range from one person to several — streamed in, according to a staffer stationed at the entrance.

Hundreds streamed in during the first 30 minutes. Thousands wandered around the aisles as the day progressed.

Twelve hours after opening, staff had counted 3,300 people coming into the store.

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