The shelves were half-stalked and the staff carried sheets of unstuck labels, but Uwajimaya fans made a presence at its soft opening Wednesday.
“I’ve been in the business 33 years. I’ve never seen an unadvertised opening do this well before,” said Paul Saito, the vice president of retail.
The produce section in the Asian-themed grocer shined with traditional and not-so-traditional goods.
“I’m glad I actually came,” Renton’s Kim Simon said. “I like all the fresh vegetables…and all the different seasonings, and the sushi.”
Others were attracted to the large seafood displays, which will include special tanks for fresh shellfish.
“It’s interesting to see what they have here,” Renton’s Wonda Capellaro said.
The front of the store was filled with 50-pound bags of varying types of rice, and shoppers filled the aisles dominated with Japanese sauces and noodles.
“This is the first time I’ve seen this many customers on a Wednesday,” said Ronnel Orilla, a produce manager who transfered from the Seattle store.
Grand opening
Uwajimaya’s grand opening celebration is 9 a.m. July 15. Taiko drummers and a Shinto priest plan to bless the store’s opening in style. The store is at 501 S. Grady Way in the Renton Village
The official opening is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 15, where a Shinto priest and taiko drummers will open the store with a flare.
Opening events also include a ribbon cutting with Mayor Denis Law and a Washington state Department of Transportation table with information on new off-ramps planned for the area from Interstate 405.
The community support is outstanding, Saito said. “It’s more than I could ever expect.”
