EAST LANSING - Costco finally opened its doors early Friday morning after a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The opening had community members, like Rose Robbins, lined up to be among the first to see the new store.

"I got here about 6:10. Me and my girlfriend thought it would be kind of something strange to do. So we’ve never been to an opening and we’re very excited about having Costco local," said Robbins.

Once the ribbon was cut, the was store filled with eager people of all ages.

"I just like to go in and see what's different, you never know what you might find," said Diane Wohlschied. "There’s lots of samples to try!"

In addition to the many free samples, the 65 acre site includes a tire center as well as a gas station. Altogether the store costs between 35 to 40 million dollars to build.

This Costco on Park Lake Road in East Lansing is expected to employ around 200 people and is the first one to open in the Mid-Michigan area.

Twelve year Costco member, Jesse Castillo, says he shops at Costco for just about everything.

"If I wanna spend my money I'll spend it at Costco 'cause they pay good wages and they’re good for people," said Castillo. "I like Costco because they got a really good bargains. This sweater I got on, Orvis. $119 at Orvis at the store. Guess how much here? $23."

Meat Manager, Scott Murphy says he’s excited to finally get to work.

"I'm just ready to get going. It's been a long time coming. I mean me and my staff are just ready to sell some product," said Murphy.

Costco's opening has many excited about what it will bring to the community.

"This is the best thing to happen to Lansing," said Castillo.