I first heard rumors that a “dollar store” was coming to Grand Marais last summer. I disregarded it as just that—a rumor like many others circulated over the years. There has been gossip that a MacDonald’s was going to be built on the vacant lot next to Como Oil and Propane. There was talk of a Canadian donut shop, Tim Horton’s coming to Cook County. Over the years there has been speculation that a Shopko or Walmart was coming to town.
So I didn’t believe that a major national retail chain would set up shop next to the closed Harbor Light Supper Club—which was where the first inklings of the news said a dollar store would be constructed.
Reporter Brian Larsen and I put the information on our “to-do” lists, the pages-long inventory we keep of stories that we need to research and need to write. As it appeared that the rumors could be true, Brian moved the story to his number one priority. He discovered that yes, indeed, a major national retailer was considering opening its doors in Grand Marais.
The rest, as they say, is history. I think by now the entire North Shore community—as well as those with emotional attachments to the area—have heard that Dollar General is seriously contemplating adding a Grand Marais location to its 12,396 stores nationwide.
At press time the Grand Marais City Council was trying to find a way to deal with the public outcry in opposition to Dollar General. Special meetings of the Grand Marais Planning Commission and the City Council saw standing room only crowds, with the majority of attendees vehemently opposed to a Dollar Store being constructed on the west side of the city of Grand Marais. At their regular meeting on Wednesday, February 10, councilors agreed to enact a moratorium on construction of any commercial property greater than 5,000 square feet in an area along the Highway 61 corridor. More on that will follow in next week’s Cook County News- Herald—and in subsequent weeks, I’m sure.
Also at press time, a smaller group has raised its voice in support of a Dollar General store. There are some who argue that a store that offers deep discounts on things such as laundry soap, shower curtains, socks and scotch tape, etc. is needed. Others believe that we need more businesses to boost the tax base in Grand Marais. And still others argue for the Dollar General because they believe in free enterprise.
I’m still on the fence. I’ve shopped at Dollar General when I’ve visited family in Indiana and Missouri. I was surprised to learn that unlike Dollar Tree in Duluth, not everything is a dollar at Dollar General. In fact there were more items for $5 to $10 than $1. But it is true that products sold there are very inexpensive.
I will admit my first reaction was not glee. When I thought of the lovely old pines that stand on the lot next to Harbor Light I was sad. I remember when some cute little cabins were tucked in amongst the trees. I wish they could be brought back.
But my Girl Scout leader persona was torn— cheap craft supplies? This could be good.
And after thinking about the surrounding area, I realized that if a Dollar General comes to Grand Marais, this is an appropriate location. It is zoned commercial. It is across the street from a lumber yard and a vet clinic.
Most importantly, it is not on the harbor. Yes, if built, people coming to Grand Marais will drive by the discount store. But they will still come down the hill and see the bright blue waters of Lake Superior. They will still see the Beartree statue and the quaint downtown businesses. They will still be able to look up at the tree-covered Sawtooth ridge.
In truth it doesn’t matter all that much what mankind does on the real estate near the lake and the hills. Remember we once had logging trucks and cranes dropping logs for pulp in the Grand Marais harbor. That beautiful Harbor Park? It was a Standard gas station. Change is nothing new.
The arrival of Dollar General is not Armageddon. It is a store, albeit one that may not be liked by all. But it is not the end of the world. Everyone needs to take a breath. Take a walk along the lake. It is there. And it always will be. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.
Maya Angelou
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