The General Store: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- One-Stop Shop Convenience: You’ll find groceries, deli meats (ham, bacon, sausage), household supplies, hunting supplies, plumbing, construction materials, electrical supplies, and an impressive paint selection all in one location. It’s a true general store experience, reminiscent of the past.
- Extensive Hardware Selection: The hardware department is particularly well-stocked. If you’re a homeowner or have a farm, this place is a lifesaver, saving you many miles of travel to other stores.
- Unique Product Finds: I was particularly impressed with their cookware selection, especially the cast iron pots. They also carry hard-to-find items, so it’s worth checking if you need something unusual.
- Excellent Customer Service: The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and incredibly accommodating. They’ll even assist with retrieving hard-to-reach items. They’re known for going above and beyond, even allowing pets inside the store.
- Animal Feed Availability: This store is a great source for hay and other animal feed at decent prices.
- Local and Community-Focused: The owner is involved in the community and supports local businesses. They pay fairly for services rendered.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Pricing: Be aware that grocery prices are higher than at larger chains, reflecting a convenience factor. Expect to pay more for items like chicken nuggets ($31+), M&Ms ($2.50/single-serve), salsa ($6), ground chuck ($7/lb), flank steak ($10.99/lb), tomatoes ($2.79/lb), and French fries ($7/small bag). Some items seem to be resold from other stores at marked-up prices.
- Parking: Finding a parking spot can be challenging due to the store’s popularity.
- Limited Selection (potentially): While they have a wide variety, certain items might not be available. If you need something very specific, call ahead to confirm.