UP AND RUNNING
Shoppers say new store offers convenience, saves time and money
GANSEVOORT, N.Y. » Even sub-zero temperatures couldn’t deter shoppers from lining up outside Dollar General early Saturday, where free $10 gift cards were given to the first 50 customers, to mark the store’s official grand opening.
The new business, at 51 Leonard St. (Route 32) in the Gansevoort hamlet, was opposed by many residents concerned about its impacts on neighboring homes, who felt it didn’t belong in this part of town.
But customers say the store, which opened its doors in late December, is extremely convenient, which saves and time and money they’d have to spend traveling to Wilton or South Glens Falls.
“I came here on December 24th because I needed a last-minute Christmas gift,” Carol Baker said. “It was great.”
“Anything that brings revenue into town is good,” said her husband, Jim Baker.
Except for a Stewart’s Shop, there are no other retail outlets in Gansevoort. In addition to grocer-
ies, which includes everything but fresh meats, Dollar General has a wide variety of merchandise such as health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, housewares, stationery and basic clothing.
Christina Kesler left with a shopping cart full of items Saturday.
“I think it’ll save me money,” she said of the store’s presence. “It’s nice.”
Tennessee-based Dollar General has opened stores in small communities throughout the area including Schuylerville, West Glens Falls, Argyle and Johnstown, in the past year or so. A new store also opened Saturday in Amsterdam where a large new Dollar General distribution center is currently under construction. The more than $90 million facility is expected to employ hundreds of people.
The project was originally slated for property near Exit 16 in Wilton. But Dollar General had site concerns and opted for Amsterdam instead.
A large tractor-trailer delivered a new load of inventory to the Gansevoort store early Saturday.
“We know convenience is a major factor in our customers’ shopping decisions as we generally serve customers within a three to five mile radius, or 10-minute drive,” said Angela Petkovic, company spokesperson.
Shopper Gwen Wilcox agreed that convenience is a major selling point. But she isn’t convinced about the cost-savings.
“I don’t think their grocery prices are as good as some supermarkets,” she said.
However, the store has created jobs for six people.
Jennifer Crane previously worked at Dollar General in South Glens Falls, which opened in 2011. Now she’s assistant manager at the new Gansevoort site.
“They try to promote from within, even if it’s to a new store,” said Jodi Ogden, Schuylerville store manager who helped out with Saturday’s grand opening in Gansevoort. “They teach us to develop our employees. They groom everybody to step into my shoes, if needed.”
Dollar General first made formal application to the town of Northumberland for a new store on March 1, 2016. Signs soon began popping up in people’s front yards, both for and against the project.
The issue generated so much interest, and division, that a public hearing scheduled for Town Hall was postponed and moved to the Gansevoort firehouse, which has more room.
As a concession, Dollar General redesigned the store. The main entrance faces south instead of fronting Route 32, which green space along the road. Exterior lights are also supposed to have less impact on neighbors.
The store was eventually approved and construction began several months ago.
Residents say they’ve found the store’s presence quite helpful during snowstorms, and this weekend’s severe cold, by reducing travel time for basic food items.
“Elderly people are really loving it,” said Jennifer Baker, a store clerk.
“It’s beneficial to the community,” resident Mike Wells said.
“I’ve seen a lot of cars comes and go,” said Peter Wells, his brother and a local mailman.
Sandra Salmonson said she’s already been to the store at least four times since it opened.
“I live right around the corner on Pettis Road,” she said. “I’m extremely happy.”