By: Holly Nine

Several months back, in the spring of 2015, Clay County’s only full-service grocery store closed its doors. Sadly, this event put a damper on the county. Residents then had to travel many miles away to Clendenin, Summersville, Spencer or Smithers, if not further to be able to purchase the groceries they needed for their family that they couldn’t grab at the local grocery store in town. Thankfully, you could go to Family Dollar, Dollar General or Houses Market in Bickmore to pick up some things that you needed if you were in a pinch. There was talk amongst the town of what would happen and if there would be a new full-service grocery store coming in place of Piggly Wiggly. It was up in the air for several months about who would and what kind of store would be coming to Clay in the future or if there would even be one coming back to the town of Clay. Finally, we have the official news just for you!
Garret Stout and his wife, Pam Widener-Stout will be opening a full-service grocery store, Clay IGA. Garret and Pam operated the Bulk Foods Store in Flatwoods, WV. Pam’s parents bought the Bulk Food Store many years back and Pam helped operate the store along side her parents for many years. Garret graduated from Braxton County High School and Pam is a graduate of Clay County High School. Garret and Pam think that it will be a great thing for Clay County to have a full-service grocery store again. Clay IGA will be family operated. Mr. & Mrs. Stout are very family oriented and they have 4 children of their own. Attentively, the opening date will be Monday, August 31, 2015. At this time, there will be no deli, but there is talk of one in the future. Clay IGA will be open on Mondays – Saturdays from 8:00am – 9:00pm and on Sundays from 12:00pm – 6:00pm.
There will be many positions available for hire. You must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a job, you must have excellent customer service skills and have a flexible work schedule. Open interviews will take place on Friday, August 21, 2015 at the Clay County Free Press Office at 136 Main Street in Clay, from 12:00 to 3:00pm. If you have any questions, you may call Clay IGA at (304) 587-7788. Clay County residents are very excited for Clay IGA to open!