Story Published:
Jul 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM CDT
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- On a Sunday afternoon, you can find Mike Russell in the backyard with his dogs.
"I sit out here a lot. It's comfortable, see what's going on. It's amazing how many people go in and out of that place," said Russell.
That place is his new neighbor, and Sam is never without company.
"Oh yeah, the traffic has increased a bunch. They do a wale of a business there and it gets a little congested," said Russell.
On the store's opening weekend, that may be an understatement. Staff say 13 thousand members have walked through their doors and fought to find a parking space since Thursday. That number doesn't count Sunday's shoppers.
"It's like the fairgrounds. It's been phenomenal. I haven't seen a lot of congestion. No bad wrecks," said Russell.
If the store didn't make the trip worth it, another neighbor might.
"We had some customers from Sam's come and get an Andy's treat," said Nanette Haenig, manager at Andy's Frozen Custard on South Campbell.
Fingers are crossed that it's a taste of things to come.
"We're hoping for more shopping centers, more activity over there, growth for the whole area," said Haenig.
"It's all for improvement. It hasn't hurt the property. I think it's good for all of us," agreed Russell.
