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PARKESBURG — While the ACME Market closed about two decades ago, Parkesburg now has a new supermarket.
Several hundred thankful shoppers filled their carts from the shelves and coolers during Thursday’s grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market at 110 W. 1st Avenue.
The company referred to itself in a release as the “nation’s fastest-growing, extreme-value grocery retailer” and sells name brand goods.
Thirty part- and full-time new jobs in the community will be created and every employee lives within a few minutes of the new 17,000 square foot grocery store.
Valerie and Mark Baker own the store, with the retailer based in Emeryville, California. The company has more than 450 locations throughout California, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. Stores are owned by independent operators based in the communities they serve.
Fresh produce, meat, deli, and dairy, along with a wide assortment of natural and organic choices are available. Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet also carries a large selection of health and beauty care, as well as seasonal items.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to be able to afford the groceries you want to buy,” Valerie Baker said, as well-wishers swarmed around her.
“It started out as an outlet,” said Mark Baker. “There was a huge transition in the 90s and meat and produce were added.
“We are a grocery store rather than an outlet. We made a place where everyone can do their full shopping trip.”
Mark Baker said that every shopper can’t have everything all the time.
“But we don’t want anybody to say they couldn’t find what they were looking for,” he said.
The couple was humbled and said that the support of the local family-owned independently owned business will pump money back into the community.
The market owners buy goods on consignment and then pass along the savings.
Valerie Baker said that you might find blueberry goods and Halloween cereals in February.
“Everything is in date,” she noted. “It’s still wonderful out of season and at a cheaper price.
“It’s a treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to get.”
The savings and price comparisons are listed directly on the shelves. Todd Muninger, director of sales and merchandising, said savings can total from 40 to 70 percent.
Shopper Valerie Huntzinger added about a dozen items to her cart and estimated that she had saved about $10 in comparison to what she would have paid elsewhere.
“I’m glad we have a grocery store in Parkesburg again,” she said, with a smile.
State Rep. Dan Williams was pleased with the opening for three major reasons.
The market provides access for desperately needed food, gives opportunities that are close to home and affordability for those struggling.
“This is a great day and an incredible opportunity,” Williams said.
Parkesburg Mayor John Hagan said that a lot of memories are based around the table.
“This is yours to support, all you have to do is show up,” Hagan said, about the market that many can walk to.
The mayor suggested that shoppers put a single item into their cart on each trip to the market to donate to the hungry.
Laura Heath Ellis is Director of Membership for the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.
“We are excited to have this amazing business in our community,” she said. “It will help so many people.
“We look forward to this business prospering and helping this community.”
Parkesburg resident Ginny Rysak misses the ACME Market, but is pleased that the Grocery Outlet Bargain Outlet is open.
“It’s great for Parkesburg,” she said. “It’s nice to see Parkesburg getting some businesses.”
A $1,000 donation was presented on behalf of Grocery Outlet to both Parkesburg Library, a free library for the Parkesburg community, and a $500 donation to Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach, a charity comprised of dozens of Parkesburg area churches that all have access to multi-tier social assistance programs. Tina Myers accepted the donation.
Interim Director of the Parkesburg Free Library Roxanne Sokoloskie was thankful.
“This donation will help the library to provide services, which include the community garden, story hour, the knitting club, Mystery Book Club, a science program and much more,” she said.
Instead of a conventional ribbon cutting, the big scissors snipped a huge receipt. There were several give-a-ways and some are ongoing.
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