'Mas' Now Means Spanish Wholesale Store

It may look and sounds like a typical Sam's Club grand opening, but if you listen closely, the staff is cheering the entering members in Spanish.

The first U.S. "big box" shopping club store catering specifically to Hispanics has opened.

Ironically, the first member through the door on Tuesday was not Hispanic, but was impressed.

"It's really refreshing," said Mabel Bell. "I think it's real nice."

It is a unique concept, but maybe not for long according to David Galvan, manager of Mas.

"Based on the success of this one, you could find these all over the United States," said Galvan.

The store along Interstate 45 carries products from all over South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The president of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Dr.
Laura Murillo, says corporations are going after the Latino dollar.

"We are a large market and we have a lot of money to spend," said Murillo. "The reality is we're not a general market, we're a Hispanic market."

It is a market 45 million strong nationally and 40 percent of Houston, according to Murillo.

Shoppers like Margaret Lopez say it is nice to have Hispanic needs catered to on this level.

"It's about time!" laughs Lopez.