More than 70 people gathered in near-freezing temperatures outside Bonney Lake’s newest business – the Goodwill store – for the first day of its opening.

After the store’s grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting, more than 250 people packed into the 15,850 square foot former retail store during the first hour to browse through thousands of new and used items for sale.

Matthew Erlich, media relations and public relations manager for Tacoma Goodwill Industries, said he estimated more than 250 transactions took place during the first hour of the store opened.

“Lines to the cash register reached 25 deep at several times in the morning,” Erlich said.

The store, at 21153 state Route 410 in Bonney Lake Village Plaza, hosted a four-day grand opening sales event through Sunday.

Chief Executive Officer Terry A. Hayes was on hand for the event and helped hand out carts and baskets to shoppers.

“This is a great opportunity for us and to provide jobs in the community,” Hayes said. “We’ve got a store filled with treasures.”

Goodwill board of directors president Bob Bruback said the store opening was a milestone for the agency.

“When you come in and see what we have, we think you’ll be very excited,” Bruback said.

Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson agreed and said he was excited after touring the new store. He said it was important for the community that the nonprofit agency locates a store on the Plateau.

“I think you’ll find tremendous value shopping at Goodwill. I know I will,” he said. “This is not your mother’s Goodwill – you have to come back every day for the experience.”

Goodwill has already been providing job training and placement services for Bonney Lake residents – nearly 60 in the past year alone.

About a third have participated in the Key to Change financial literacy class that Goodwill offers.

Other programs residents have taken include Office Essentials and “soft skills” training for job interviews and resume writing.

The store will also host a work site for people with developmental disabilities through Goodwill’s Supported Employment program. The employees will do retail and production work with supervision from a job-skills trainer.

The store will provide jobs for about 30 people, from store manager to supervisors, cashiers, production clerks and donation attendants.

The store also is a donations center for gently used clothes and household items.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The store can be reached by calling 253-862-0237.

More information about Goodwill, visit www.tacomagoodwill.org.