The building has had many faces: Mark’s Market, Sentry, Andy’s, DnD Market, Fresh Choice, Thriftway, and Ray’s. Prior to its time as a grocery store it was used as the high school gym and as a place where dances and carnivals were held. After sitting vacant for over two years, the landmark location on Main Street has been repurposed again. It is officially the new home of Marys Peak True Value.
With the red paint on the front of the building barely dry, the transformation is not yet complete. Owner Troy Muir has cut a hole in the wall separating the old and new retail spaces and is completing the process of moving and organizing inventory while both locations are open. He is finishing preparation for the grand opening slated for the weekend of May 13.
“Saturday is going to be the big day,” Muir said. “Traeger is barbecuing and there will be giveaways.”
Part of the weekend’s celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Philomath Chamber. Pepsi will also be on hand providing refreshments.
“I hope everyone can come in and take a look,” he said. “It’s going to be a good event.”
The process of relocating his former 4,500-square-foot facility to an expansive 20,000-square-foot space took Muir about two years. During that time, in addition to running the business, he built three homes, sold his own home, and sold his truck to generate funds for the massive undertaking.
“It’s taught me some patience, and I’ve been working hard,” Muir said. “I’ve given a lot for this.”
By his estimation, the additional retail space will allow him to double his previous inventory. The old bottle return area in the back of the former grocery store now holds lumber, sheetrock, sheet goods, molding, and trim. Muir has also bulked up his selection of sporting goods, camping goods, toys, and work wear.
“This is a chance to expand the categories we were weak in,” he said.
His wife Lisa has been involved with a new section of the store that is geared towards home goods and crafts. With her help, they have increased the selection of greeting cards, kitchen goods, and appliances.
“We’ve got a bunch of new hobby paints, craft paints, and we have the new chalk paints everyone loves,” he said.
The back of the store, near the old coolers, will be a full-service center for key and glass cutting. As one of the only local businesses doing laser cut keys, that portion of the business is in demand and busy, according to Muir.
“We went from a convenience-type hardware store to more of a home center now,” he said. “I think people should be impressed with what we brought in.”
So far, feedback Muir is getting from patrons is positive. Philomath resident Nathan Slocum is one of his happy customers.
“I think it’s a great thing, it’s what we needed,” Slocum said. “Troy Value!”
At this point Muir does not plan to change operating hours, however, he will listen to customers should they want adjusted hours. Muir also hopes to add a few new employees once things settle and they begin full operation in the new location.
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