I have lived on the Southside in Huntington WV and shopped at Mansour’s which is now Julian’s Market. I am so happy to still have an independent store in my area that I don’t get picky about too much.
Huntington has over 1400 fast-food joints, drive-bys, or whatever you choose to call them, and less than 10 grocery stores that have fresh fruits and vegetables. Huntington used to be littered with small-independent grocery stores but the big supermarkets ran them out of business, partially by underselling them. After most of the independent stores were gone, the supermarkets raised their prices to the point I can buy comparable products at Julian’s, often at the same price and sometimes cheaper than at the supermarket, and it’s a lot more convenient because I can walk to the store.
I have always loved Julian’s for its unique products, some of which I never use, but obviously more than a few people do use those items. At Christmas time, Mr. Saad celebrates with egg-nog for his customers, a nice touch.
When I go into Julian’s Market, I’m so engage in what I’m shopping for, and frequently having a delightful conversation with Mr. Saad, that everything else falls into the background. Mr. Saad bought that store from Mr. Mansour, and I know it takes time to bring it around like you want it. Additionally, the clientele and the times have changed dramatically since Mr. Mansour’s ownership. All this has to be factored into how we now see Julian’s Market.
Mr. Saad is bringing in some new display cases, so the store in in transition. More importantly, Mr. Saad is a man who truly values his customers. He could sell that store and do fine as he has other commercial endeavors, but the fact that he puts his time into serving the surrounding community is a priceless contribution in my view, undercutting anything else you might say about Julian’s Market. I don’t know many businessmen who are there in great part for their community. So kudos to Mr. Saad, with high appreciation.