CLEARLAKE — The Grocery Outlet is expected to open its doors in Clearlake on July 22. Grand opening celebration is scheduled for July 24. Dollar Tree, located adjacent to the Grocery Outlet in the Burns Valley Mall is expected to open by September.
“I think the Grocery Outlet is a much-needed store in this area,” owner Mitch Beare said. “We complement the retail landscape that is already in place and we look forward to serving this community.”
The Grocery Outlet and Dollar Tree will share the space that was once occupied by Rite-Aid; however Stephen Coates, property manager/leasing agent said that Burns Valley, LLC spent a lot of money to make them completely separate from one another. He said that approximately $2 million was spent on construction remodeling, which does not include costs associated with individual retailer needs.
“A lot of money was spent to make them absolutely separate. We are running like crazy to make sure that everything is ready,” Coates said. “A soft opening is planned for the Grocery Outlet on July 22 and grand opening is planned for the 24th. Dollar Tree is trying to open as soon as possible. We”re hoping by September, but it could be sooner.”
Coates said the project experienced some construction obstacles related to bringing the 30-year-old building up to current standards. He said that major expenses were directed toward bringing the building into ADA compliance and upgrading the power, sprinkler and air conditioning systems.
Beare said that the Grocery Outlet is fully staffed with 37 positions created. “This store will help the community by bringing in more jobs. It will increase product availability and access and help keep consumers shopping locally rather than traveling to out-of-county retailers to get their goods,” he said. “We have a very unique selection. We carry a lot of frozen and refrigerated products that you just can”t find anywhere else.”
Beare said that the store will be opening with Wildhurst Wines on its shelf as well. “We have that in stock now and we will be looking for other local selections in the future,” he said.
Beare said a huge celebration is planned for the grand opening event on July 24. He said the first 700 customers will receive a free Eco Bag for green shopping. There will be face painting and a balloon clown from 10 a.m. to noon. “We are working with the Lake County 4-H, too,” he said. “We donated the hotdogs and water that they will be selling and they get to keep all the proceeds.”
From noon to 6 p.m. Beare said their will be opportunities for patrons to spin the “Wheel of Bargains” and win various prizes. There will also be the “Magic Cart” giveaway. He said every 30 minutes the person pushing the cart with “magic” number on it will win a prize.
Beare said additionally, from July 22 to Aug. 20 patrons can enter at the store in an ongoing winner”s choice sweepstakes. Prizes include a 32-inch television, a pair of men and ladies bicycles, barbecue grill, Wii gaming system, a five passenger paddle boat and groceries for a year.
Grocery Outlet store hours will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
