Market ‘talk of the town'

CROTHERSVILLE - Nancy Nay of Preston Street said she is one of many who's excited about a new full-line grocery store coming to Crothersville.

"I appreciate when I need something not having to go to Austin or Seymour ... for something that I'm making," she said. "We need food every day, so it's nice to know that it will be close."

David and Teresa Tanner of Henryville plan to open Tanner's Market at Main Street and U.S. 31 on April 20.

"They are the talk of the town," Crothersville Deputy Clerk-treasurer Alisa Sweazy said of the Tanners and their store. "I think it will be very successful. We've even heard people that would drive to Henryville to buy groceries because the prices were so low and the meat was fresh. Everyone is excited about it."

Teresa said her husband has been in the grocery business all his life. In 1998, they bought Adams IGA, in Henryville, which was previously owned by his grandfather.

"It was offered to David and we bought that," Teresa said. "We bought Tanner's Market in 2000, which is the old teachers store in Henryville."

Teresa has played a big part in Tanner's Market while David focuses on Adams IGA. Together they've been in the retail business for more than 15 years.

"It's just in his blood," she said of the grocery business. "It's just what he lives for."

The couple had been hoping to open a store in Crothersville for several years, once looking at land to build.

It wasn't until recently that the building at 201 E. Main Street became available. The building most recently was the Secret Garden flower shop.

However, this isn't the first time a grocery store has operated in the building. Sweazy said it has also been three other grocery stores, McKains, Brumett and Briners.

Crothersville used to have a Super Value IGA where the current Dollar Store is now. Sweazy thought it closed about 10 years ago with the Dollar Store coming in six years ago. Since then, another store known as the Butcher Block, located in what is now Crothersville Town Hall, closed three years ago.

Teresa said her husband really wanted to put a store in for the people of Crothersville.

"I hope the store benefits not only Crothersville but also the surrounding communities," she said. "I hope it will be well-known to the community and a place that they want to shop."

Town Councilman Bill Nagle said at one time Crothersville had a "great deal of retail" and in intervening years one business after another has closed. He sees Tanner's Market as an indication the town is turning things around.

"The fact that we are utilizing an old building that was previously a grocery store is encouraging, and any addition to the retail establishment is great," he said. "I think that the idea that we are getting something new, it gives a sense of optimism about the town."

Nay agreed.

"It's always good to see progress and to see something going forward," she said. "I just know from working at town hall that you want to keep as many businesses in town as you can."

Nay, a former town clerk-treasurer, said Tanner's Market will be convenient for everyone in Crothersville.

The store, Teresa said, will give people a choice if they need something quickly. She said it has also brought jobs to the community, as they have hired nine people to work in the store.

Tanner's Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The 3,600-square-foot building, still in the remodeling process, will include produce, "all the staples" and a butcher on hand to provide fresh meat.

Two cash register lanes are planned to check customers out.

"We are also going to offer customer rewards cards," Teresa said, as a way for people to save money and an incentive to shop at the store.

A grand opening for the new store is scheduled for May 16 and 17. Teresa said they plan to have giveaways as well as specials both days to create an opportunity to meet people in town.