New store stocked, safe

The Dollar General in Cathlamet is working hard to keep stock on their shelves and provide a safe place for shoppers during the current health crisis.

According to Shawn Wood, store manager, they are dedicating the first hour, beginning at 8 a.m., to senior shoppers, and asking everyone else to be courteous and wait until 9 a.m.

They are also offering a 10 percent discount to first responders.

They are trying to sanitize and spray carts and baskets between every use, but they get busy and it’s not always possible. There are also sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer available for customer use.

Normal hours are 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., but they are closing an hour early every night to give the store a deep cleaning.

Like everywhere else, it’s been a struggle to keep stock on their shelves, especially high ticket items like toilet paper, sanitizing wipes, and other cleaning supplies.

“We’re doing the best that we can,” Wood said.

Wood said that they have been taking requests and are willing to call customers when the items they are looking for are back on the shelf.

Employees are not required to wear protective gear at this time, it is a matter of personal preference.