COSTCO Grand Opening!

Just to let you all know, the long-awaited COSTCO opened on Friday! There have been rumors of it coming to Taichung for several years now, and it has finally happened. About a month ago they had a special day at Morrison where you could go and apply for a membership card. I already had one from when we lived in Taipei.

I had previously decided I would not go on opening weekend. However, my curiosity got the best of me and I ventured out that way right before opening on the first day. My plan was to go inside only if it didn't look too crowded. If it was really bad, I would just go to the new Carrefour close by to buy my weekly groceries. (Carrefour is a European chain store sort of like Super Walmart)

As I drove down the road toward the general area where I knew COSTCO was located, I noticed an unusual amount of cars turning left with policemen directing traffic. I thought, "Surely that isn't it, I must not have gone far enough..." When I realized I had gone too far, I did a U-turn and headed back towards all the cars. Sure enough, the traffic was for the grand opening! It reminded me of the traffic going to an NC State ball game! Then I saw a line of people coming out of the store and wrapping around the block. Needless to say, I turned around again and headed for the Carrefour. I love people, but this was definitely overdoing it!

Later that day, I heard from other people who ventured out there that the people were neck to neck, and check out lines went all the way to the back of the store. One person said he was there for three hours and didn't even get to buy anything.

I did make it out there this Tuesday after my language classes. It was still more crowded than I would've liked, but I was able to get in and out in about one and a half hours, so I was pleased. One thing I noticed was many people with only one or two items in their huge buggies. On the other hand, mine was very full - that's what happens when you buy for 6 people. I got a little tired of people staring at the crazy foreigner and laughing at all my purchases. But it was worth it.

I think COSTCO will be a hit here! I, for one, and very thankful it is here and I can go there to purchase the western things we crave!!