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Pictures is an example of a Dollar General store that the proposed building in Cumby would resemble. Courtesy/Vaquero Ventures LLC
Town fears ‘two stores sitting empty’
The city of Cumby will not become home to a new Dollar General store, per a decision by the city council Tuesday at the regular September meeting.
Dollar General acquisitions and development Michael Medford spoke to citizens and council about locating a store at 308 West Main St., which is “just outside of the school zone on the west end of town,” according to Mayor Doug Simmerman.
“It is zoned residential, so for them to be able to put a Dollar General, …it would have to be rezoned,” Simmerman stated.
“I would hate to see two dollar stores go under, you know, by bringing in another,” council member Betty McCarter stated.
“I don’t think bringing in another dollar store would be feasible,” citizen Angela Lee agreed. “Having past businesses in this town, this town does not have the population or volume to support two.”
“You make a good point,” Medford stated. “They still see it to be a good small town, and that’s what they rely on. …There’s a large enough tract for us to carve out what we want to do. I’ve provided the mayor with tax statements to show y’all can gain approximately $21,000 in tax revenue.”
Despite assurances from Medford that the proposed store would have a privacy fence and upscale appearance, citizens remained unconvinced that the town, with a population of 777, would be large enough for more than one convenience store.
“I know what kind of money comes in here, and this town cannot support two dollar stores,” said Sharon Stailey, assistant manager of Cumby’s Family Dollar. “You’re going to have two stores struggling to make it in Cumby.”
“This is a market they’re really excited about,” Medford said. “Family Dollar and Dollar General coexist.”
“I know what the numbers are, and you’ll have two stores sitting empty,” Stailey said.
“I’m not for it at all,” council member Julie Morris noted.
The council unanimously voted not to approve the request for Dollar General store.