Dollar General opens in new Hessmer location

 

By Raymond L. Daye
 
    It could be called Avoyelles Parish’s newest old store or its oldest new store.
    Whichever you prefer, the recently opened new Dollar General in Hessmer has received good reviews from customers.
    The new location has been open since July 27, but it will have its “grand opening” today, beginning at 8 a.m.
   There will be special deals and free prizes during the event. The first 50 adult shoppers will receive a $10 Dollar General gift certificate. The first 200 shoppers will receive a tote bag. There will also be other giveaways, a company spokesman said.
     Most comments from customers in a recent visit to the store were  along the lines of “there’s so much more” and “it’s a lot bigger.”
That was the reason why Dollar General decided to move its Hessmer operations a few yards down La. Hwy 115.  
    Dollar General has had a store in Hessmer since September 2003.
    “It’s a bigger and better store,” Store Manager Darryl McGovern said.
    The former location had 6,900 sq. ft. and seven employees. The new store has 10,600 sq. ft. and 12 employees.
    McGovern said the main benefit to customers “is that we have more variety, in grocery and non-grocery items.”
McGovern said he is enjoying the new store and didn’t mind moving his office up the street at all. He has been the Hessmer location’s manager for five years.
   “Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” Dan Niesen said. Niesen is Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “We hope our Hessmer customers will continue to enjoy shopping at Dollar General’s new location.”