The Chattanooga area's first Costco wholesale supercenter opens Oct. 27.
The shopping buggies are already lined up outside the brand-new building atop a hill at the Cloud Springs Road exit of I-75.
Streams of soon-to-be Costco shoppers are visiting the site to sign up for $50 regular memberships or the executive level at $100.
"The response has been phenomenal," said Mike Winter, marketing manager who recently moved here from San Antonio.
A number of Costco representatives taking orders from new area customers were from Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Nashville and other locations.
The store will initially have about 200 employees.
Mr. Winter said the closest Costco is at Kennesaw, Ga.
A Costco gas station is already in operation at the site, but you have to be a member to take advantage of the $2.39-per-gallon rate.