In The Pipeline:

Every day now, it seems you read about another retailer closing shop. The economic downturn has sent both big brands and mom-and-pops packing, so what a pleasure to be standing in front of a store, moments before its grand opening, and seeing hundreds of anxious, smiling shoppers who look as if they’re ready to rush the doors.

A carnival-like atmosphere surrounded the opening of the new Trader Joe’s grocery store in Huntington Harbour (the third in the city), and in contrast to the daily, talking-head gloom-and-doom economic drumbeat, this was a spectacular blast of fresh, positive air. The locals were excited, giddy even, that the Huntington Harbour Mall finally had an anchor tenant — and not just a tenant, but also a brand that so many shoppers have developed a deep emotional attachment to.

As the line grew longer about 30 minutes before the 9 a.m. opening Friday, I was allowed a quick tour of the new place. Bright, wide and spacious, it’s a beauty. But what really caught my eye were the mural-like paintings on all four walls, above the merchandise. Created by store team members, the colorful creations celebrate where the store is located.

This Trader Joe’s trademark is a wonderful device — an artful way to acknowledge and create a bond with the community. The Harbour boat parade, old Meadowlark Airport and the nearby wetlands are just a few of the paintings you’ll find. At the checkout counters, blue and white flags are named in honor of other local elements: Davenport Island, Humboldt Island, Gilbert Island, etc.

The Trader Joe’s Capt. (store manager) Ron Crespo and his first mate (assistant store manager) Jessica Mayes were all smiles as they watched the crowd swell outside.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. In just five minutes, the doors would burst open.

Ron, a Huntington Beach High School graduate, told me how excited he was to be at the helm of such a special place, right here in his own backyard.

Jessica said the excitement from locals has been palpable the last few weeks as the big opening has gotten closer. And no wonder. As you may know, Trader Joe’s prides itself on weaving its stores into the neighborhoods where they open, bringing personal touches to their globe-savvy inventory. With locals in charge (and 70% local hires), this store is bound to make a meaningful connection in the Harbour. And provide lots of good jobs.

Just before 9, the Hawaiian-shirted team members formed two lines to welcome the throngs. They were set to hand out flowers, give high fives and cheer the shoppers on as they entered. Mayor Keith Bohr joined City Councilmen Joe Carchio and Gil Coerper for the official, time-honored tradition of a supermarket ribbon-cutting (though in this case they snipped a lei). Then the doors opened and the party began. Shoppers rushed in, beaming, cheering and happy to be in one of their favorite supermarkets.

On the surface, this was a festive, small-town celebration that’s good for the soul of any community. In the bigger picture, though, it’s a positive sign that maybe things are turning a bit of a corner. Trader Joe’s is investing once again in Huntington Beach, and it seems like the locals will be returning the gesture with lots of business. All of the stores here in the mall took part in this festive day, and so it’s probable that the new market will have a halo effect on these other businesses. That’s good for the neighborhood. Which is good for the city. Which is good for all of us.

Welcome once more to Huntington Beach, Trader Joe’s. We are very happy to have you here.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 14 books, including the new “Huntington Beach Then & Now.” You can write him at chris@chrisepting.com .