Customers fill new Connellsville supermarket
CONNELLSVILLE – Neither cloudy gray skies nor the steady cold rain could dampen the enthusiasm of shoppers Wednesday as they welcomed Martin’s Food Market to the community. The supermarket was filled with customers by mid-afternoon looking for first day bargains.
“We needed another store in town,” said George Ryan as he and his wife, Jane, exited the store with a filled shopping cart.
The Connellsville couple said they are likely to be repeat customers because of the competitive prices.
“There are a lot of good sales right now,” said Jane Ryan.
Carol Maloy, also of Connellsville, noted the comparable prices found in other discount stores in the area.
“With prices going up on everything you need to shop where the bargains are at,” she said. “I’ll definitely be shopping here; it’s close and the prices are good.”
Dee Henry of Mount Pleasant described the store amenities as “fantastic.”
“I’ve dreamt of stores like this coming to our area for a long time,” she said. “Mount Pleasant needs this; Connellsville needs this. Despite all of the commotion (of opening day) it’s the best thing that could have happened.”
An 8 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony drew nearly 100 local residents bearing store coupons – all anxious to get their first look at the store’s interior and prices.
Flanked by several Giant Food Stores corporate officials, store managers and supermarket employees, Dennis Hopkins, corporate vice president of marketing and public relations, welcomed the early morning crowd and said shoppers would not be disappointed.
“Our newest Martin’s not only offers our customers an expanded selection of items in virtually every department, but does so in an inviting atmosphere that provides convenience for busy families, great value and friendly service,” he said.
Martin’s is a subsidiary of the Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores.
“This is a win-win situation for everybody,” said F.L. Gorman, Widewaters Development Group Inc. retail division manager. “We’re very, very happy to have Martin’s anchoring the project.”
Last year, the city, along with two other property owners sold the combined 15.6 acres to the New York-based development firm.
Gorman said following the ceremony that Holiday Hair, Movie Gallery, New York Pizza and Pasta, Check-N-Go will soon be opening their doors to customers. Dollar Tree opened nearly two weeks ago.
Two other retailers, who Gorman declined to identify, have also agreed to lease storefronts in the strip mall.
“Within 60 days, (the mall) should be 100-percent filled,” he said.
City Councilman Bruce Jaynes, meanwhile, said the supermarket not only provides a new business in the community, but jobs for local residents.
“It’s all about taking a chance and having a shared vision,” he said. “I have high hopes; Martin’s is a quality store and will well serve the community.”
According to Hopkins, area residents filled most of the 175 job openings.
Jaynes also credited Marco Marzocchi, Widewaters real estate development general counsel for his role in the project.
“He was an instrumental part in bringing this development to Connellsville,” he said.
Mayor Judy Reed presented Martin’s store manager Dwight Stewart with a plaque and proclamation to mark the opening.
“We’re delighted to be here,” said Stewart. “We want to be good corporate neighbors and community partners in Connellsville. We appreciate the opportunity to serve the community.”
The Connellsville Area High School marching band, along with council members Chris Wagner, Charles Matthews and Brad Geyer also took part in the opening festivities.