A new liquidation store is opening in downtown Pendleton.
Couple and co-owners Karen and Shawn Martin are stocking their shelves with a variety of discounted resale merchandise from Costco, Target, Wayfair and Amazon.
“Having Costco be something that we can offer in this area is huge,” Karen said. “It’s just huge to be able to offer this type of discount to people and so specifically in this area of Main Street.”
The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Sept. 6, at 5:30 p.m. for the soft opening of Let ‘Er Bargain at 142 S. Main St.
Karen said being able to offer discounted prices on items locals cannot get outside of is something of a passion for her and her husband.
For example, Costco members and Target consumers drive about an hour from Pendleton to Kennewick to shop at the nearest store. Karen said their store may help the population of Pendletonians who cannot make the drive or choose not to travel to the Tri-Cities.
“People would come here because they could, one, get those deals, but then, two, they don’t have to travel to Costco or Target,” she said.
Shawn works as a trucker salesman and service rider for Kenworth Sales Co. in Pendleton. Karen is taking online courses to receive her masters degree in social work at Grand Canyon University.
The couple is paying out-of-pocket without the help from business grants.
After acquiring their retail liquidation certification, Karen and Shawn began to invest into their business venture. They reached out to an independent shipper in California and began working with it on purchasing liquidated merchandise to resale.
he store already has assortment of items from vacuum cleaners to power washers to and office supplies.
“Our goal is to only sell new items,” Karen said. “Sometimes we’ll carry items that were previously owned, but then returned in new condition. If it was something that was returned damaged or salvaged we won’t sell it.”
Karen said customers may discover new inventory on the shelves every time they visit, and they can see the latest inventory on the store’s Facebook page. If consumers want a specific type of merchandise, they are able to make the request with the store.
During the soft opening, customers can begin shopping and make purchases through cash, credit and debit cards, but no checks. Customers who return items can’t get their money back but can receive store credit. In the near future, the bargain store will run sales on promotional items and a loyalty program for returning customers.
The store will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and sometimes on Sundays.
Karen also said a store website and an Instagram account are coming down the line.
Be nice to have the opportunity to shop a different place besides Walmart and Bimart. Hope you manage to get a high percentage of their business. You always need new blood in these dried up downtown communities. Lets show.Walla Walla a thing or two. Cowboys and ranchers are the same person. Hard working honest and loyal.