It has only been a week since McFrugals Bargain Outlet held its grand opening in Castlegar, but already the store is exceeding expectations.
The owner of McFrugals, Jason McDougall, lives in Vancouver and was looking to expand into the Interior and chose Castlegar. The Castlegar location is the first store outside of the Lower Mainland for the franchise.
“Our big thing is - we want to save the customer on everyday items,” he said. “We try and have a core group of everyday items at a discount and than we throw in surprises here and there. This week I just bought a big tool deal. So some time in the next three or four weeks, there will be a big tool deal at our store there.”
McDougall said he is always scouring the market looking for great deals that he can pass on to the customers at McFrugals.
“We’re always looking for deals in the marketplace on stuff that people need on a regular basis,” he said. McFrugals offers basic household items such as food, clothing, housewares, stationary, toys, and more. Previously at the location was a 99 cents and more store, which McDougall bought out.
“The previous owner was looking to sell and we bought it and decided to turn it into one of our stores,” he said. “It was the right opportunity. There’s good management and staff out there. It was a fairly easy expansion for us because we had capable people there and that’s got a lot to do with it.” McDougall said people can expect more great deals, especially on clothing, in the future.
“Our big thing is to help people have a better life for less,” he said. “I’m glad to be in the Castlegar area. It’s a nice place.” McDougall has been in the area a few times and looks forward to returning soon.
Looking over the store here is manager Linda Sorge, who has ten years of experience in the discount store business. “We have great food products,” she said. “We have name brand products that are at a really fantastic, reduced price. We have clothing, jeans, men’s and women’s and some children’s clothing as well.”
Some of the food products include Starbucks coffee as well as organic foods. The store also offers all types of cards for Christmas, birthdays, etc. for only 88 cents. “It’s the best price in town,” she said. “We also have balloons. We do a lot of parties. Our balloons start at 99 cents. The party end of our business is another big part of what we do here.”
Also available for parties are pinatas, table ware, blow outs for birthday parties, Disney wrapping paper and more. “I find this store is a treasure store,” said Sorge. “You have to come in often. There’s new product coming in all the time. You come in and you’re going to find that little treasure at just a fantastic price. There’s many, many of those little treasures to find.”