A Maple Creek store is reborn as grand opening becomes a community event

Cutting edge: Michelle McKenzie, the mayor, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Red Apple store. Among those looking on are Rachelle Willman, manager in Shaunavon; Katie Graf, manager in Assiniboia; Debra Bartsch, store opener; Simran Kaur, keyholder; Scott Schuler, store opener; & David Johnson, vice president of operations.

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

Goodbye The Bargain! Shop; hello, Red Apple.

Twenty-one years after starting life at 217 Jasper Street, The Bargain! Shop has reinvented itself, with a new name and new layout.

Friday’s grand opening of Red Apple could be seen as a coming-of-age party, complete with balloons, sponge cake and the company’s mascot, Red, decked out as a smiling giant apple ready to embrace all comers.

It also featured words of praise by senior Red Apple staff, and the cutting of a ribbon by Maple Creek mayor Michelle McKenzie.

“I am proud of the job you have done,” David Johnson, vice president of operations at Red Apple Store Inc., told Maple Creek employees.

Turning to store manager Jenn Lee, he said: “Thank you.”

Jen saluted the public for being “incredibly gracious” during the transition, and her team for devoting countless hours to sprucing up and rearranging the store, all the while serving customers.

“Thank you for being a wonderful team.”

Naturally, there were offers and discounts galore. The first 100 customers, for instance, got $10 shopping cards and laundry baskets, and there was a chance to enter a $1,000 shopping spree raffle.

About 30 minutes before the 9am start of the ceremony, people had begun to mill about the entrance to Red Apple, which in a previous incarnation had been a Surplus Army, Air Force, Navy (SAAN) discount department store before becoming The Bargain! Shop in May, 2005.

Gradually, a line began to form. By the minute it got longer as more and more cars pulled up, and people walked towards the most happening place in town.

Even at this late juncture, staff went outside to give the front entrance doors an extra shine.

Shortly before 9am, the line stretched to about 60 people.

After the opening ceremony was over, Claire Pollock had the honour of being Maple Creek’s first Red Apple customer.

“It’s fantastic,” she said. “I am going to have some fun finding stuff in this store.”

Lee and Johnson stood just inside the door, handing customers a shopping card and laundry basket.

“Wow, this is wonderful,” said Diane Moss as she stepped inside.

Susan Burton was also impressed.

“The store looked amazing and you have all worked so hard to achieve this day. Congratulations and best wishes.  We so appreciate your store and service in our little town.”

“There are some great deals to be had today,” said Caroline Mosquito as she exited with a pile of items.

It didn’t take long before the stack of white baskets disappeared.

Meanwhile, deep in the store, Audrey Wensink served customers slices of a cake that had come from Swift Current and bore the message in icing: “red apple … Congratulations on your Grand Opening”. Free coffee was also available.

Among those who enjoyed the cake were two-year-old Brynn Hasfjord, from Maple Creek, who sat on the shining floor to eat and pose for photographs.

More than an hour after the opening, a car with “CKSW 570 Radio, Country 1490am” painted on its livery, pulled up. A radio journalist got out to take pictures for “live on location broadcasting” to capture the grand opening sales, giveaways and community turnout.

As he set up his equipment, Jen Lee got ready to give her take on a day she had long prepared for.

In the period leading up to the opening, she had experienced excitement and a touch of trepidation. How many would come? Would only a handful show up?

The enthusiastic stream of customers through the doors throughout the day proved a joy to behold.

“Welcome,” she said to each entering customer.

After the doors shut, Maple Creek’s Red Apple could reflect on a great first day of life.

“A huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our Grand Opening today!  Your support, smiles, and excitement made our day extra special. We’re so happy to be part of the Maple Creek community and look forward to welcoming you back again and again!  Thank you for shopping with us and supporting our rebranding store.”