Richland’s newest grocery store opens to a long line of shoppers
Richland’s newest grocery store opened to a long line this week as shoppers continue to scour stores for supplies in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The new Grocery Outlet Bargain Market on Queensgate Drive next to Party City started business a few days early, according to the the retailer. Construction started on the project in the fall. It is the third outlet in the Tri-Cities.
The new store is employing 30 people.
Each of the Grocery Outlet location is independently owned and operated. They rely on the Emeryville, Calif.,- based company to find inexpensive excess inventory and seasonal closeouts to buy and distribute.
Mike and Nikki Simms, the Richland store’s owners, have a history of retail. Mike started in the grocery business before moving to selling jewelry, said the company.
“Now he’s back in grocery,” Grocery Outlet posted. “So he went from carrots to karats to carrots!”
Nikki Simms has worked in fitness, childcare and spent time taking care of the couple’s four children.
Between Thursday and April 23, the store is running a contest where the winning shopper will receive $100 in free groceries each month for a year.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.