Grocery Outlet store is opening this week in Pottstown

Pottstown-area residents have a new option when it comes to purchasing their groceries.

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, an “extreme-value” grocery retailer, officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 16.

The 17,579-square-foot Pottstown Grocery Outlet is located in the Pottstown Plaza Shopping Center, 799 N. State St., in Pottstown, and is adding 33 new jobs to the community.

The store is independently owned and operated by Daniel Schwalenberg and his wife Kira Schwalenberg, who are relocating back to the area. The couple previously lived in Pottstown prior to 2017, according to a press release.

The new location’s grand opening starts at 8 a.m. Thursday with a giveaway. The first 100 customers at 8 a.m. will receive a Grocery Outlet Bliss Buck gift card in mystery amounts that range from $5 to $500, the company said.

In addition, shoppers will receive a free limited-edition reusable bag, while supplies last. Customers can also play the Wheel of Bargains’ Spin & Win for a chance to win a prize.

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 11 a.m., which will include the presentation of donations by the owners to two area nonprofits. The first will be a $1,000 donation to the Pottstown YMCA. An additional $500 donation will be presented to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

In celebration of the opening, from May 6 through June 13, customers can enter for a chance to win $1,000 in groceries at the Pottstown Grocery Outlet. Entries are being accepted through June 13 and can be accessed by visiting the online contest at https://www.groceryoutlet.com/win-groceries-Pottstown.

Entries must include a valid, working email address where the entrant can be notified. The winner doesn’t need to be present to win but must claim the prize within three days of notification or another winner will be chosen, according to the rules. The prize will be distributed over (20) $50 reward certificates.

Grocery Outlet offers a full range of products including fresh produce, meat, deli, and dairy, along with an assortment of natural and organic choices. In addition, the stores carry health and beauty care as well as seasonal items.

Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet is headquartered in Emeryville, Calif., and operates more than 450 locations across 10 states. In Pennsylvania, the company has stores in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Each store is owned by an independent operator.

Grocery Outlet is the latest new business to open in the Pottstown Plaza Shopping Center. Last month, Goodwill Keystone Area opened a 26,000-square-foot retail and donation center, adding 32 jobs in the area.