‘Amazing!’: First shopper at new Mansfield H-E-B camped outside 2 days before opening
Over 1,000 people lined up for the grand opening of H-E-B in Mansfield on Wednesday morning.
Just before the doors opened at 6 a.m., a line of people stretched across the front and side of the 128,000-square-foot store.
Staff helped waiting customers download the H-E-B app, while the mascot H-E-Buddy took photos with those in line. Shoppers could get a free package of H-E-B Twisters cookies and dog biscuits when they downloaded the store’s app.
Some waited in line for days ahead of the store’s opening at 1670 E. Broad St. in Mansfield.
The first customer, Michelle Nevels, had been waiting since 1 a.m. on Monday. “Amazing!” she described being the first person through the door.
“I just love H-E-B. I love it. I love their products,” Nevels said.
Many of those in line said they plan on being regular H-E-B Mansfield customers.
Even before the sun was up, the mood outside the store was festive. Cheerleaders from Lake Ridge High School and Mansfield High School’s drumline entertained the crowd, along with a DJ. Customers danced to the music while they waited.
Top store team member, Shannon Crites, welcomed shoppers at 6 a.m.
“There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing like 600 or 700 people standing in line for you to open your doors,” Crites told the crowd.
Amid cheers and confetti, H-E-B employees greeted customers entering the store, just as excited for the grand opening as patrons.
As shoppers of all ages descended on the store, yellow coupons in hand, carts filled up with produce, baked goods and more. With temperatures in the mid-80s during the store’s early morning opening, ice cream was the first item purchased.
By 6:30 a.m., H-E-B team members were already weaving carts through the store, filling numerous curbside pickup orders.
Tarek Almalahi and Fransisco Carrizales said they’d waited in line since around midnight on Tuesday, but both agreed the wait was well worth it.
“It’s just a great place to shop for good prices, and this is the closest one to home, so I’m glad it’s open,” Carrizales said. His cart was full of ingredients for the birria he planned to make later in the day.
When asked what he bought, Almalahi had a quick answer.
“Everything,” he said with a laugh.
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