New discount grocery store opens in Anderson

Photo by George L. Winship, Editor

New business in town. Owners of Di$count Groceries in Anderson stand proudly in their new store. The Smith family recently moved to Anderson from Bremerton, Wash. In 2007, they lost their home, most of their belongings and their business, a family-owned restaurant, due to flooding. From left, Angelina Smith, 16, Josefina Smith, 18, Brian Smith, Timothy Smith, 8, Venus Smith, Kiara Evans, 4, and Cathryn Evans, a sister of Mrs. Smith.

After losing their Bremerton, Wash., home and restaurant to severe winter floods in 2007, Venus and Brian Smith decided a few months ago to move to Anderson for a fresh start.

"If we weren't as strong as we are as a family, we might never have made it," Venus Smith said of the ordeal.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, after weeks of building shelving and stocking the shelves with merchandise, the Smiths opened the doors to Di$count Groceries, a 3,000-square-foot dry goods store at 2984 East St., across from Epperson Furniture and one block north of Ferry's Pharmacy in downtown Anderson.

The family-owned and operated business is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

Helping the Smith's when not attending to classes or participating in school athletic events are the couple's three children, daughters Josefina, 18, and Angelina, 16, and son Timothy, 8. Also providing assistance is Mrs. Smith's sister, Cathryn Evans, her daughter, Kiara, 4, and Mrs. Smith's uncle, Jake Butson.

"We all run the business together," Mrs. Smith said as most of the family members gathered for a recent photograph to celebrate the store's opening.

Together, the Smiths have 11 years experience in the retail food and restaurant business.

Brian Smith's extended family operates a similar dry goods grocery story in Nevada, as well as a warehouse and storage business that will supply both stores.

An independent long-distance truck driver, Brian Smith will spend some of his time hauling freight to the Anderson location from the warehouse in Nevada, as well as picking up and hauling loads consigned by other businesses.

The Smiths are looking to buy a house in Anderson as the business grows.