Living in North Bend for 11 years, Cindy Masterson was sometimes challenged to find certain little, basic household necessities within reach.
Local stores didn’t necessarily have what she was looking for, and Masterson tired of driving further afield.
“When you’re in a pinch and need something in a hurry, who wants to drive all the way to Issaquah and back?” she asked. “With my own experience of living here, I knew the things we don’t have.”
Driving through North Bend last fall, Masterson passed an open storefront and told herself that she needed to do something with that space.
With no prior retail experience, Masterson, an employee in an AT&T corporate finance office, took a leap of faith and decided to open a dollar store.
Hiring an independent developer, Masterson became the owner of the Dollar & Cents store at 320 S.W. Mt. Si Blvd, Suite 103.
Bargain deals
Masterson said she did her research on what was needed by residents.
With the loss of a KB Toys store at North Bend outlets and limited selections of beauty products in markets, Masterson said she made sure to supply the store with these items.
“As far as health and beauty aids and cleaning products and supplies, I just wanted to have those at an affordable price.”
Masterson also noted a 2006 city study that said North Bend needed to get more revenue pumping.
With the study listing things such as sewing supplies and arts and crafts, Masterson took the cue and made sure to dedicate half a wall in her store with these city necessities.
Other dollar store offerings include paper products, office and school supplies, tools and hardware, pet supplies, vitamins, party goods, holiday and seasonal items and dozens of other common but hard-to-find everyday necessities.
Most items cost between a dollar and $1.25.
Big buzz
Masterson was able to pay the developer a set price to help with lease negotiations. She set up the store by putting up all the fixtures and making an initial order for product placement.
As the shop came together, excitement grew for her new enterprise.
“During the buildout, the buildout supervisors said that they had to keep the door shut because people were literally walking in,” Masterson said.
When she came into the store one day to check the thermostat, she heard knocking on the window. Standing before here were two little boys with signs that said, “When does your store open?”
“People that I don’t even know realize who I am and tell me they’re really looking forward to the store,” Masterson said.
Dollars & Cents will hold a grand opening on Thursday, April 1. The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ribbon cutting.
“I just feel so proud and a part of the community now,” Masterson said. “This has given me a sense of pride. I’m contributing to the community and giving them something we need.”
Shoppers visiting the store on opening day will also have the chance to enter a drawing for a Nintendo Wii game console with or without purchase.
Dollar & Cents hopes to serve residents of North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation and Preston as well as visitors to the area.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
