By Gina Morton
NORTHUMBERLAND — Shoppers filled the aisles Friday at the opening of Surplus Outlet on Route 11.
“The turnout is tremendous,” store owner Thomas Wengerd said.
Mr. Wengerd said the closeout grocery store buys overstocked products in mass amounts at a discounted price.
“As a business owner, I am proud and excited to provide the community with lower cost groceries,” he said.
Surplus Outlet sells a full line of groceries, along with household items such as detergents, cleaners, paper products, pet supplies, health and beauty products and over-the-counter medicines.
Fresh products such as milk, bread and eggs are also available.
Justin Michaels, senior executive, said that Friday’s opening was only a soft opening.
“We’re planning a grand opening for next month sometime,” he said.
Charlie Stine, of Danville, visited the store opening day. He said he visits surplus stores elsewhere, but was satisfied with the new one.
“It’s very nice,” he said. “It has everything I’m looking for.”
Mr. Stine said he plans to return.
So do Roy and Sandy Sulouff, of Point Township.
“They basically have everything we’re looking for,” said Mrs. Sulouff. “We’ll definitely come back.”
Mr. Wengerd said his store offers shoppers savings up to 50 percent.
“It’s quality products at half price,” he said.
This is the second Surplus Outlet location. Another can be found near Montgomery in Lycoming County.
Construction on the building began in July 2007. It now employs 48 workers.
Surplus Outlet will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays.
n E-mail comments to gmorton@dailyitem.com.
