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Costco: Jacked-up crowd roars approval as doors open
A couple hundred enthusiastic shoppers clapped and hollered their approval as the LS Costco officially joined the community
Talk about brand affinity. These folks LOVE their new Lake Stevens Costco.
A throng of enthusiastic shoppers eagerly assembled against a backdrop of pre-dawn snow flurries this morning outside the newly completed Lake Stevens Costco, chattering energetically as they readied themselves for first glimpses of the store interior.
The long-awaited opening of the iconic PNW wholesaler’s new location was tinged by a tangible holiday party vibe — despite the early hour — as Mayors Brett Gailey (current) and John Spencer (previous) bookended the proud store manager.
At precisely 7:45 am, the garage doors rolled open, the ribbon was cut, and an eager grinding crowd piled in, exchanging high fives, cheers and fist bumps with Gailey, as Spencer congratulated the Nordins, the couple who relinquished their family land to make this project a reality.
And as far as public approval goes?
Well I don’t need my AAPOR membership or a survey monkey poll to report back that people are THRILLED to see the Issaquah-based wholesaler grace Lake Stevens with its impeccable merchandising, $4.99 rotisserie chickens and never ending sample islands.

It was a big day for Spencer in particular, who stood grinning in the entryway, framed against a pallet of Bugatti electric scooters, looking for all the world like a man content with his legacy.
It was, after all, Spencer’s longterm planning acumen and deal-making skill that laid the foundation for what was to ultimately become a more than seven year effort start to finish. (Take a look at this process! Sheesh.)
Judging by the day-one reception this addition is likely to enter the pantheon of Lake Stevens civic milestones - it’s not every day that the number ten on the Forbes 500 list opens a location in your city.
And as I finish this story from my car in the Costco parking lot…I’m getting the stink eye from drivers of cars competing for scarce parking spots — this place is jammed! Gotta go!

The Lake Stevens Costco is located at 9210 24th St SE — just west of the South Lake Stevens Road roundabout at SR-9.
Regular hours are 10:00 am - 8:30 pm Mon - Sat and 10 am - 6 pm Sundays.