A new discount grocery store in Clovis, California, attracted enough bargain-seeking shoppers that some waited outside overnight for opening day.
Here's what to know
The new Grocery Outlet at Loma Vista Marketplace opened to customers on Aug. 13. According to The Fresno Bee, about a dozen people showed up overnight, bringing chairs and waiting for hours to be among the first to enter.
Early arrivals had an extra reason to line up: the first 100 shoppers received gift cards worth between $5 and $500. The East Clovis Grocery Outlet also donated $1,000 to a local church food pantry.
The chain is known for deep discounts on produce, meat, alcohol, household items and other everyday essentials.
More background
Within the Loma Vista plaza, the new Grocery Outlet is the only food market and the closest place to buy groceries for nearby new housing developments.
That gives residents in the area a more convenient option for basics including fresh produce, pantry staples and cleaning supplies.
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The opening follows a spring in which Grocery Outlet closed 36 stores across the country, though, including one in Kerman, California. So, unfortunately for budget-conscious grocery shoppers, it does not portend a surefire trend to seeing more of them. Apps like Flashfood, Too Good to Go, and Misfits Market are some other resources that shoppers are using to cut grocery or meal costs, while also reducing food waste.
The grand opening was also part of the company's larger 80th anniversary promotion, with every store participating in a three-day deals event. On Aug. 15, customers who spent at least $50 could claim a Grocery Outlet-branded reusable bag. The grocery retailer also handed out Scratch & Win coupons to the first 100 shoppers at each location.
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