Grocery Outlet opens tomorrow
Josh Wilson stands in the front area of Grocery Outlet in Quincy on Oct. 30, just a week before the store’s grand opening. A caricature of he and his wife, Jelly, will greet patrons on opening day, Nov. 7. Photo by Debra MooreGrocery Outlet will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and Josh Wilson plans to be there every one of those hours and more.
Wilson and his wife of 16 years, Jelly, are the independent owner-operators of the new store that will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m., with free giveaways and an opportunity for one lucky individual to win free groceries for a year.
The store was a hub of activity the week preceding its opening, but Wilson took time to talk about his visions for the store as well as its place in the community.
“We want to provide great products at great prices,” he said. “And we want to be part of this community and affect it in a positive way.”
And that will begin immediately when the Wilsons present a donation to the Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center during the grand opening ceremony. The store will also donate food and other items to the crisis center, and has contacted PAWS to provide free pet supplies.
But the Wilsons hope to serve the community as a whole by running a well-stocked, organized store.
And that’s just how Josh got his start at Grocery Outlet eight-plus years ago in Salem, Oregon. Jelly had been working there and he would often show up at closing to assist her. That led to his first job, which entailed cleaning up the store at night and ensuring that all of the items were “faced” — store lingo for bringing all items to the front of the shelves and aligning them.
He worked his way up through various jobs, ultimately assuming managerial tasks and then being asked if he would like to operate his own store.
At Grocery Outlet, independent owner operators run their stores, sharing proceeds with the parent company.
Originally, the Wilsons were considering a store in Fernley, Nevada, but it was suggested that they check out Quincy.
“We loved the area,” Josh said. “The trees, the lakes, the opportunities to go hunting and fishing.”
The couple moved to the area at the beginning of September and live in downtown Quincy, though Josh would rather be within walking distance to the East Quincy location, so he can pop in easily, even if it’s the middle of the night.
Josh will be running the “floor” while Jelly will be handling the office tasks and checking in loads.
To assist them, the Wilsons have hired 32 employees. On the day of the interview, six of them were in Susanville training to be cashiers.
“Our goal is to train them very, very well,” Josh said.
The store will offer a variety of items from nonfood products to fresh produce. Deliveries are expected three times a week.
While some products are shipped automatically from Grocery Outlet, the Wilsons can customize some of their other offerings based on customer preferences.
“If someone wants a particular item, they should ask me,” Josh said, “and I will see if I can get it.”
There is a rotating seasonal section, which at the time is stocked with holiday items, as well as a “WOW” section that features the items that boast the biggest savings.
The store will offer wine and beer, but not hard liquor or tobacco products.
There will be a bakery section, as well as deli offerings that Josh said includes an incredible array of specialty cheeses.
Area residents will be able to check out the store for themselves beginning Nov. 7.
“We are making the final push,” Josh said. “We can’t wait to get open.”
Grocery Outlet
1715 East Main St., Quincy
282-2706
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Seven days a week
