Shoppers show up really early for new Sprouts store — PHOTOS
A new grocery store opened early Wednesday and the line formed early.
Really early.
About 215 people lined up for the 7 a.m. grand opening of Sprouts, a healthy-living grocery store that focuses heavily on produce.
Some shoppers started showing up at the store as early as 5:30 a.m.
The company opened its sixth Las Vegas area location at 7530 W. Lake Mead Blvd. by awarding the first 200 people to pass through the door with 20 percent off their first purchase.
It’s the third brand in that location in recent years. Both Haggen and Vons grocery stores have recently occupied the space.
Kristy Guerrero was second in line, and said the promotional coupons and $1 items were too appealing to pass up.
“I love some good deals,” she said.
Sprouts also offered a free reusable bag to everybody who walked through the door on opening day, and a coupon book to every 15th customer at checkout.
Jessica Ogens was the 200th customer in line, and the last to receive a 20 percent off coupon.
“I’m pumped,” she said. “I love Sprouts.”
Ogens said she regularly shops with the company, and that this was not her first grand opening.
But Hoda Berbari, who was 201st in line, did not immediately share the same excitement.
Berbari showed up to the store before work to receive a coupon, but was disappointed to have missed the deal by mere seconds. She said she works in the area and has been anticipating the store’s opening for months.
“It’s not nice,” she said.
But Ryann Haenel, regional marketing manager for Sprouts, was quick to make things right with Berbari, and presented the woman with a coupon card.
The store opened about 10 minutes early, with shoppers entering as enthusiastic employees cheered. By 7:05 a.m., customers could hardly move their carts throughout the crowd.
Anthony Garner, the store manager, said the location brought in about 140 new jobs. The process of hiring and training employees took 6-8 weeks.
“I think it’s great for the community,” he said.
Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman, of District 34, seemed to agree.
“I feel so special that they opened this right here in my district,” she said.
