Residents of New Bloomfield can now purchase convenience items locally since the city's Dollar General opened its doors for business Wednesday afternoon.
The 9,000 square-foot store, which was originally set to open at the end of September, is located off the New Bloomfield highway exit on Route J across from Bank Star One. The store carries grocery and household items, but doesn't sell fresh produce or fresh meat, the Fulton Sun previously reported.
Despite this, shoppers will be able to select and purchase items they previously had to leave the city limits to obtain. Dollar General provides health and beauty products, office supplies, apparel and over-the-counter medications in addition to some electronics and other convenience items.
"Dollar General has a great niche where they provide a lot of things to small communities. They can build their stores in small communities and people can buy locally," All-State Consultant Wes Bolton said.
Plans for the project were proposed and accepted within a matter of weeks, Bolton said, and on April 1 the permit was issued to begin construction. During construction a sewer main beneath the lot needed to be abandoned as it would be inaccessible once construction was complete, however City Supervisor Mike Rieken said that was expected as a part of the building process - it was the summer rains that slowed progress, he added.
The store's manager Terri Miller has heard nothing but good things since doors opened for business.
"I've been getting compliments all day long, but they could just be talking about the store," Miller said. "The community is very welcoming and very friendly."
Residents have taken to the city's Facebook page excited about the city's new addition.
"Been there and is such a nice store. So happy to have it in NB (New Bloomfield). No more 16 mile round trip for a package of buns," Cindi Walker said on the city's "Now Open" post on the social media site.
Others agreed that the store itself makes the city look better. Commenters mentioned how "clean" and "nice" the store is now that it's open and how it improves life in New Bloomfield.
"It's a win for Dollar General because it's a new market for them and it's a win for the city because it provides income and it's a win for residents because they can buy locally," Bolton said.