The Tastiest Treasure Hunt
Gerald and Evelyn Eldred in their Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.
Gerald Eldred in the NOSH (natural, organic, specialty, and healthy) section of the store.
Something different in food shopping, the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market offers local residents value and variety
By April and Andrew Bartel
Founded in 1946 by Jim Read in California, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is a relative newcomer to the East Coast. Described as an “extreme value grocery retailer” on a mission to “WOW” budget-conscious customers, the company is rapidly expanding.
While most of its more than 500 outlets are on the West Coast, the brand is making inroads in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland—thanks to a network of independent owner-operators who bring a personal touch to each location. These local entrepreneurs make their own business decisions, from ordering merchandise and organizing shelves to hiring staff and managing daily operations.
Hagerstown residents Gerald and Evelyn Eldred opened Maryland’s first Grocery Outlet store in June 2022 at 1713 Massey Boulevard. As CEO and CFO, respectively, of G&E Grocery LLC, they are both deeply involved in the business. Their photo welcomes customers at the entrance, but it’s just as common to find Evelyn straightening shelves or Gerald bagging groceries.
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market owner Gerald Eldred works with Rodney Morrison.
They even mentor aspiring owners in training, ensuring the next generation of operators is well-prepared. They describe their 13 employees as “extended family” and proudly note that all but two of their original hires are still with them.
Evelyn first discovered Grocery Outlet as a shopper. “I shopped there when we lived in San Diego and loved the prices,” she said. When COVID-related shutdowns forced the couple to change careers, they learned about opportunities to join the company. After more than a year of background checks, interviews, and training, they earned their store keys. They chose Hagerstown for its proximity to family and quality of life.
How does Grocery Outlet Bargain Market keep prices so low? According to company literature, “Grocery Outlet buyers are experts at purchasing products opportunistically—items outside the normal retail channel.” This could mean acquiring product overruns, taking advantage of packaging changes, or securing seasonal specialties at discounted prices.
“Our suppliers offer us great prices on surplus inventory, and we pass those savings along to our customers,” Gerald said.
He estimates that shoppers save an average of 40 percent on name-brand products. Evelyn underscores the point, gesturing toward signs comparing Grocery Outlet’s prices to conventional stores. The Hagerstown store stocks approximately 5,000 items, including 500 in the NOSH category (Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Healthy). On any given visit, customers might discover unique delicacies like vegan “caviar,” dried watermelon, Ramune marble-necked sodas, Korean battered seaweed snacks, and premium frozen dinners from celebrity chefs.
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market owner Evelyn Eldred inspects produce with Rhonda Marks.
Of course, Grocery Outlet carries staples like milk, eggs, fresh meat, prepackaged deli items, seafood, and produce—competitively priced against larger grocery chains. But the real excitement lies in the “treasure hunt.” The steepest discounts are often on limited-time products, meaning that if you spot a favorite item, it’s best to stock up—it may be gone tomorrow.
“You need to walk up and down the aisles because you never know what you might find,” Gerald advises.
Gerald Eldred and Eathan Mellott take inventory in the deli department.
On a recent visit, we uncovered Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Crème popcorn—two 2.25-ounce bags for just 48 cents (and immediately regretted not grabbing more). Craving plant-based burgers or Irish sharp cheddar? How about pumpkin spice cereal in winter, gluten-free crackers, or sweet aloe marmalade?
You have to look—that’s part of the fun. Our haul included stacks of Pringles ($1.49), vanilla almond milk ($0.99), and name-brand frozen breakfast sandwiches ($2.99 for a pack of four). Shoppers can also browse deals and create grocery lists using the Grocery Outlet app.
Unlike traditional supermarkets, Grocery Outlet doesn’t keep excess inventory in storage. “As soon as we get things, they go straight to the shelves,” Gerald said.
Beyond their store, the Eldreds are active members of the Hagerstown community. They serve on the Salvation Army advisory board, distribute food through local churches, and volunteer at school fundraisers. Meanwhile, Grocery Outlet’s corporate initiatives have raised more than $25 million since 2011 for its Independence from Hunger food drive.
As they approach their third business anniversary, the Eldreds have truly found their “X” on the map. With growing local connections and more shoppers discovering the store, the future looks bright.
Gerald grins as he shares his best shopping tip: “Shop us first so you don’t miss a deal. Then stop back often.”