New Business in Blakely set to bring economic growth, jobs to Early County

BLAKELY, Ga. (WTVY)- After retail business Fred’s filed bankruptcy and closed down stores last year, it left a need in the Blakely community.

After messing up a golf shirt, Roger Beckley and his wife decided they needed to do something to help give the Early County town a place for residents to shop, without having to drive 40 miles to the nearest shopping center.

“When the tax dollars stay home, things thrive. It’s better for the school systems, it’s better for the roadways,” Beckley said.

That’s when the idea for the Crate Market was born. The retail surplus store opened its doors for the first time last week. It provides a number of items, including clothes and furniture.

“We felt it was really important to have something here local, so people, because of the pandemic, they don’t have to drive so far.”

The Crate Market receives its retail from several high-end department stores.

“Some of these companies that are having either financial troubles or just have some overstock, we’re buying the products from them at a deep discounted price,” Beckley said.

The 18,000 square foot warehouse is providing at least a dozen jobs to Blakely. There are plans to start an Amazon delivery hub in October.

“What it’s basically gonna do is we’re going to be a logistics arm for this Early County area and package delivery,” Beckley said. “Anywhere from 150 to 300 packages a day, we will be doing to help Amazon do, whether it’s their prime delivery or simply just getting their products to the customers.”

If you have concerns about the coronavirus, Beckley says no one should worry.

“We can still practice social distancing in this facility. It’s everything that you’re going to want from 50 miles away without paying the full retail price on it,” Beckley said.

The Crate Market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Its also open Sunday from noon to 6 PM.

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