Lemoore shoppers give big welcome as Grocery Outlet Bargain Market debuts

Thursday, August 29, 2019 - 3:42pm By Ed Martin, Editor

For the first time in decades the parking lot at Gateway Plaza Shopping Center – once affectionately known as Pioneer Square – found itself full, nary a space left. The reason? Hundreds of shoppers, on Thursday morning, gathered outside Lemoore’s newest grocery store – Grocery Outlet Bargain Market – in anticipation of being among the first to experience Lemoore’s newest business, and perhaps find themselves a few bargains.

They weren’t disappointed as Lemoore newcomers – Karin and David McKinney – opened their doors following a grand welcome from Mayor Eddie Neal and Council Member Dave Brown.  Local dignitaries, city officials, the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of local elected officials also gave the McKinneys a warm welcome.

  • Karin and David McKinney are welcomed to Lemoore with an official ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday at 9 a.m.
  • Lemoore's Earl Oglesby was the first paying customer. He purchased milk.
  • David and Karin McKinney greet customers as they enter the story Thursday morning.
  • The first customers to enter the store were Robert and Gloria Ruiz.
  • A look at Grocery Outlet's produce section.
  • Alfred Marquez checks out the bargains.
  • Lemoore's newest grocery store filled up quickly Thursday morning.
  • Checking out the new store.
  • David and Karin McKinney donated to the Circle T Ranch, a program in Kings County dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy.
  • The new grocery store filled up quickly on its first morning.

Even the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department got into the act, parking one of its trucks in the expansive parking lot and flying its ceremonial American flag.

Once the McKinney’s cut the ceremonial welcoming ribbon, Robert and Gloria Ruiz entered the new store, becoming the first official customers, and they did what most shoppers do when entering a new store: They immediately began shopping. “I got here at about 3 a.m.,” said Robert Ruiz. “I did it for my wife. She just had hip surgery. He pushed the shopping cart as Gloria rode a power cart through the store. “I love it because it’s (Grocery Outlet) a Christian family,” said Robert.

Lemoore’s Earl Oglesby was the store’s first paying customer who quickly found what he wanted – two gallons of milk – and then promptly visited the checkout line where he paid for his milk and left.

Customers were indeed pleased with the look and feel of the new store. It seemed to sparkle in the early morning as hundreds entered the store and more waited in line to enter. The store itself had a sense of shine to it as if everything was polished and placed perfectly before its opening.

Alfred Marquez, shopping with his wife Jocelyn, told The Leader he was excited about the new store. “I like this because now we have more of a variety of choices where we want to go, and this is one of the best stores to go to because the prices are good for us. It’s a good environment for Lemoore. I come from Hanford to Lemoore, which is just about seven minutes away. I don’t mind driving seven minutes just to come here.”

The first 200 customers Thursday morning received “BlissBucks” gift cards ranging from $5 to $200. All shoppers also got a free reusable bag while supplies last, and judging by Thursday mornings impressive turnout, the bags may not have lasted long.

Karin and David, the new owners, got off to a positive start by donating $1,500 to the Circle T Ranch and its operators Denise and Tom Taylor. They operate a Kings County program designed to provide equine-assisted therapy for trauma survivors.

And from opening day through Thursday, Sept. 26, customers may enter for a chance to win a grand prize of groceries for one year.

Grocery Outlet carries a full range of products, from fresh produce, meat, deli, and dairy to a wide assortment of natural and organic choices. It also offers a large selection of beer and wine, health and beauty care, and many seasonal items.

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is located in Gateway Plaza (formerly Pioneer Square) at 1160 North Lemoore Avenue.

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