Line forms for grand opening deals at Los Banos’ 99 Cents Only Store

A new 99 Cents Only Store is set to open Wednesday, but San Jose resident Samuel Armenta was already waiting Monday, determined to be the first person in line to score an almost-free 40-inch television.

Armenta, sitting in a folding chair with a hat and two water bottles in the shade, also was the only person in line for the promotion. The store has announced the first nine people to enter after doors open Wednesday morning will be able to buy the TV for just 99 cents.

“I came (to Los Banos) to get some car parts,” Armenta said, noting how he saw a man with a banner advertising the deal.

“It’s too good to pass up,” he said.

Officials for the store, at 1209 W. Pacheco Blvd., are hoping that the promotion, which includes 99-cent home appliances through Saturday, draws a large crowd for the grand opening.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” corporate spokeswoman Desiree Anderson said. “We’ll have a parade of people here. The Los Banos High School marching band will keep people entertained in line.”

While the store will officially open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Anderson said a ribbon-cutting featuring store officials and Mayor Mike Villalta will take place about 7:45 a.m.

Anderson said Los Banos opens up a new market for the company, which has been expanding throughout the Central Valley. The chain has stores in Merced, Atwater and Turlock.

Anderson said about 400 people are likely to attend the grand opening, but store manager Roberto Gomez expects that to be higher.

“We sell name brands that you can’t find anywhere else at the same price,” Gomez said. The store sells consumables, including groceries; electronics; and other items usually held by department stores.

Gomez said employees were stocking produce Monday, and the rest of the time will be spent detailing the store.

Anderson said the store is logging names for the first nine people in line for the 99-cent TV deal, which has been a successful promotion in previous store openings.

“People are allowed to take bathroom breaks once they come in and sign their name,” Anderson said. “We expect them to stay there and the store will be monitoring the line.”

As of Monday afternoon, Armenta was the only person in line.

“I’ll be here until Wednesday,” he said.

This story was originally published May 23, 2016 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Line forms for grand opening deals at Los Banos’ 99 Cents Only Store."