Garrett’s Discount Outlet will open May 22 on the west side of the square in Gallatin. Carl Bennett, owner, named the store after his 12-year-old son, Garrett.
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Garrett’s Discount Outlet will open May 22 on the west side of the square in Gallatin. Carl Bennett, owner, named the store after his 12-year-old son, Garrett.
A graduate of South Harrison High School, Mr. Garrett was with Farmers Bank for the past 10 years. Before that he was a self-employed trucker, hauling custom made vans. This is Mr. Bennett’s first foray into entrepreneurship. He saw it as "something to get into."
Mr. Garrett researched and found that locally only Trenton and Gallatin do not already have this type of popular discount store. He felt area customers would appreciate having the store, especially when gas is almost $3 a gallon.
Mr. Bennett has another reason: It brings out the kid in him. "I love going into these places," he said. "It’s kind of like Christmas."
It’s an enthusiasm he shares with his son, who will be helping him in the store this summer.
"Garrett came into the store after a truck had just unloaded," Mr. Bennett said. "He picked out 20 items he wanted. He got a pair of socks."
Garrett’s Discount features new and used items, surplus and return items. It will carry a wide variety of products that could be found in most retail stores, like groceries, tools, electronics, toys, clothing and general household. Bigger items will include refrigerators, TVs and lawn mowers.
Mr. Bennett will have a selection of furniture, some slightly damaged, some brand new. He points to a writing desk with a small chip that is almost unnoticeable. "For a kid’s room, there’s nothing better."
He explains that a box of napkins are discounted because whoever was opening the box cut too deep and slit the napkins. Otherwise there’s nothing wrong with them.
"If you can live with a mar or a little bit of blemish, a crack or a dent, you can save a ton of money on everyday items," he said.
The store will carry designer clothes. "You can’t find this high dollar stuff unless you go to Kansas City,"
Mr. Bennett says he buys through contract and will be able to get what people want, everything from non-perishable groceries to big screen plasma TVs to Italian leather furniture.
He said he will learn what to buy as he goes.
"What the people want is what I’ll lean to," he said. "If I’m ordering things they don’t like, I’ll go to something else."
He bought the building which formerly housed Lila’s Gifts and Collectibles. The inside has been redone, with new carpet and shelving. The outside will soon have a maroon type awning and the window will be replaced.
Mr. Bennett will continue to live in Bethany so Garrett can finish school there. Mr. Bennett grew up in Bethany and has five brothers and sisters. His father, Bill Bennett, used to be a logger and fur buyer. He died in an accident last year. His mother, Charlene, lives in Bethany.
Mr. Bennett will constantly be putting out new merchandise as he receives it, including seasonal clothes.
For discount items between 30 and 70% off, be sure to visit Garrett’s Discount Outlet, located at 112 N. Market in Gallatin, opening May 22. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.