ESTEVAN — The Estevan Market Mall has filled the vacancy created by the closure of Peavey Mart in Estevan and throughout the country earlier this year.
PhilMart, which is connected to the Regina-based Second Chance Surplus Co., had its opening day June 11. Phil Zajac, who owns PhilMart, told SaskToday it was "fantastic", and the business had 500 people through the doors in the first four hours, which he believes was pretty good for what he called a soft opening.
"We are providing a Peavey Mart type of store but with some really cool stuff," said Zajac.
PhilMart has a variety of name-brand products that haven't been available in Estevan in the past, he said, including Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger and Bench. Everything in the store is 20 per cent off at all times, Zajac said. If it costs $100 at a Regina big box score, Zajac said it will be $80 at PhilMart. It is not a second-hand store.
"We've got everything from life jackets to hoodies to men's and women's … clothes, and we've got some non-perishable food, we've got dog food, we've got pet food, we've got Cat [Caterpillar] starter chargers, and all kinds of stuff. It's a treasure chest," said Zajac.
Zajac said they will also eventually have a lumberyard, with some supplies available by July.
The store's first day had some extra discounts and in-store specials. Zajac said a grand opening ceremony, including a ribbon cutting, is slated for the weekend of July 4
Estevan is a great market for such a business because of its location, he said. It's close to the Canada-U.S. border and it will serve a large region.
"This is a way for me to give the people of the southeast quality products at a really reasonable price," said Zajac.
Prior to the store opening, they had to get the building ready and find the necessary staff. PhilMart employs five people in addition to Zajac.
Second Chance has locations in Regina and Ituna.
Zajac sad people can also look forward to seeing a strong presence in the community from PhilMart.
"It's locally owned, it's locally operated and all that money stays here," said Zajac.
