Dozens of people milled about Carson City's newest department store, Big Lots, on Friday after it celebrated its grand opening with company and city officials.
Among the shoppers was Theresa O'Connor, 48, who was doing some early Christmas shopping for her children.
"I love it, I'm glad we got something here; we needed something desperately in Carson," O'Connor said. "This is a lot nicer having this in Carson."
The 25,000-square-foot store, which offers close-out deals on things like non-perishable food, toys, seasonal items, electronics and furniture, was among 80 locations the Columbus, Ohio-based company opened this year. The store, 4215 S. Carson St. in the Southgate Shopping Center, will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Helen Courneya, 60, was looking for seasonal items Friday morning, adding she used to shop at the Big Lots in Reno, but can now do her shopping in Carson City.
"I came last week when they opened up and I was just really amazed with this store, they have a lot of nice things here," said Courneya, who also was shopping for a Toys for Tots program. "I was able to come the other day and buy watches for five bucks apiece for the older children."
Toni Gonzales, 74, said the addition of Big Lots and nearby Kohl's to Carson City will be a boon to her shopping habits.
"So now I don't have this feeling I have to run to Reno to buy something," she said.
During the grand opening celebration, Big Lots District Manager Brian Compton presented Al Seeliger Elementary with a $2,500 check.
"It's very timely and appropriate," said Assistant Principal Wayland Denny. "We will be using it to tutor students in after school programs for reading and math."
Mayor Bob Crowell said he welcomed the new store, adding he would pick up some candy as his first purchase.
"Hiring 47 people in our community is wonderful," he said.