SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsSan Luis Obispo Costco OpensMonday, September 19, 2005The years of waiting -- over. The trips to Santa Maria -- done. Costco has arrived.For many county residents, the opening of the massive membership warehouse store Saturday brings a new and welcome outlet for stocking up on household goods from toilet paper to trendy purses. For many county businesses, it brings a new and formidable competitor. And for the city of San Luis Obispo, it brings about half a million dollars in its first year in sales tax revenue that will help pay for city services. Eager shoppers filled their carts with bulk items at discount prices. Check-out lines were long, and finding a parking proved to be a hassle. To help with the grand opening, Costco brought in outside help from stores in Santa Maria and Goleta. And with any grand opening comes a traffic jam that can make even the most patient driver irritated. Some circled the parking lot for more than 20 minutes trying to find a spot. Costco officials made sure there were plenty of employees in the parking lot helping direct shoppers to the open spaces. The addition of Costco has some residents concerned about traffic delays coming off Highway 101 but officials say it should calm down over the next few weeks. Read More
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