SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP – The sound of drums created a staccato beat as people gathered around the new Rural King store Friday, May 8, at the Saybrook Plaza Shopping Center.
As the drum performance by the Edgewood Drum Line ended, people cheered and a red ribbon was stretched out for a ribbon cutting for the new store at 2466 W. Prospect Rd.
Friendly mascots, farm animals, employees and various dignitaries, such as the Saybrook Township trustees, who were on hand to add to the fanfare of the day.
“We are very excited to be here,” Greg Church, executive director of the Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce, said.
He was thrilled by the turnout of people who showed up and crowded in front of the store.
“Thank you for this overwhelming response,” he said.
Church said the Chamber was thankful for Rural King’s investment in the community.
The grand-opening festivities were held Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, featuring Rural King specials and competitive prices on items throughout the store, according to a news release.
New customers who enrolled in RK Rewards in-store at the store during the grand opening weekend were automatically entered to win one of four $500 Rural King gift cards. In addition, customers could enjoy a complimentary bottle of Rural King water.
“With a legacy spanning more than six decades, Rural King has established itself as a cornerstone of the communities it serves,” the news release states.
According to the information, the new store “features updates designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkout options, while maintaining the personal touch that defines Rural King’s customer service.”
Store Manager Scott Reid noted how the store meets the needs of the local community with its offerings.
“We like to pride ourselves when we go into a rural community that we would have items for all walks of their life,” he said. “So, we have consumables, we have horse feed, probably the largest dog and cat section in Saybrook or here in Ashtabula. We’ve got an incredible large apparel department, premium brand apparel. We have all of the hardware needs that you can have.”
He noted there’s also a lot of things for kids and a huge garden center outside as well.
“And then, of course, now we have the largest firearms department here in Saybrook and Ashtabula,” he said.
Reid noted the company is expanding and this area was a great place to come and help out the community.
Customers were happy to shop at the location.
“It’s awesome, pretty nice,” Louise Johnson said.
“It’s got everything you could possibly want,” Jane Rich said.
