Two tents sat next to the doors of the new REI set to open at 10 a.m. on Friday in the SLO Promenade on Madonna Road.
Both groups arrived around 11 p.m. the night before, hoping to score free items and a hefty gift card. The rest of those waiting lined up in the early morning hours on Friday.
The first 250 people received wristbands for a free Nalgene water bottle and a gift card worth anywhere from $10 to $100.
The stores long line shows the high anticipation for the recreation retail store to open in San Luis Obispo.
REI will continue its grand opening festivities throughout the weekend.
