Nov 16, 2005 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A second store has officially opened its doors at the Widewaters Commons strip mall, located near the intersection of routes 119 and 201. Dollar Tree, the nation’s largest $1 discount variety store, held its grand opening Saturday, according to Barbara Seman, Dollar Tree vice president of marketing.

“We’re excited to offer Connellsville consumers an opportunity to enjoy finding great values every day of the week,” said Seman. “We are eager to serve the community by providing a fun and convenient shopping experience at a price that is right for everyone.”

Seman said the 8,000-square-foot store is open daily and offers a variety of brand name items.

“This grand opening is part of a larger nationwide trend,” said Seman. “The dollar store category is one of the fastest growing retail segments in America. Sixty-nine percent of all U.S. households shop dollar stores.

“Currently, well over one-third of all Americans visit a dollar store each month. More and more shoppers are visiting a dollar store first to find bargains before they shop more traditional retailers. Shopping at Dollar Tree is becoming an increasing part of American life.”

The store was completed in October. It unofficially opened to customers on Oct. 19.

Martin’s Food Market, the strip mall anchor store, opened Oct. 26. Other stores expected to locate in the complex are Holiday Hair, Movie Gallery, New York Pizza and Pasta and Check-N-Go, according to F.L. Gorman, Widewaters Development Group Inc. retail division manager. Last year, the city along with two other property owners sold the combined 15.6 acres to the development firm.