Dollar General Market would have been the first full-service grocery store in Lancaster since Lynco ceased operations about four years ago at Pleasant Retreat Plaza.
Lancaster Mayor Brenda Powers was saddened to hear the news from a reporter Thursday.
“My heart is broken,” Powers said. “This community needed it so very badly.”
A Dollar General Market is similar to a Walmart and sells a wide variety of groceries, toiletries, household items and clothing. Though the existing Dollar General store in Pleasant Retreat Plaza ultimately would have closed as part of the deal, the market would keep all current Dollar General workers employed plus bring at least 20 new jobs to Garrard County, Mick said.
Powers said the loss of job opportunities is equally as devastating as not having a grocery store within walking distance of most Lancaster residences.
“There are people here who need to be put to work, especially the elderly who could use a part-time job to supplement their retirement incomes,” Powers said.
The good news is that even if Dollar General Market does not come to Lancaster after all, the Family Dollar next to Godfather’s Pizza on Lexington Street recently expanded its grocery department to include frozen food and a wider variety of canned and boxed goods. Powers said that is a great start but still will not be enough to make Lancaster an attractive place for new residents moving into the area. The mayor also believes Dollar General Market would have attracted business from people in Danville and Stanford.
