Bi-Mart Membership Discount Stores — Attraction in Albany

I love the Bi-Mart store in Albany, Oregon. I first heard of this store chain when I moved to Oregon over a year ago. Bi-Mart reminds me of the Dimestores from the past, like TG&Y, Duckwall's, or even Woolworths. Of course, the prices are nothing like those Dimestore days, but Bi-Marts have the "feel" of those old discount stores. Bi-Mart requires customers to purchase a life-time membership card for $5, which you must show to enter the store. Prices are comparable or slightly less than Target, and some sale items, Walmart. But since the stores are smaller in size and inventory than the big box stores, customer service is better quality. Go there on a Tuesday and check your membership number on a winning list of customer numbers that have been preselected at random. Prizes have included electronic gadgets, food items or other store goods. They have reasonably-priced clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, pet supplies, camping, fishing and hunting supplies, auto and home improvement items, paint supplies, gardening tools and plants, electronics, kitchen and bath supplies, a food and liquor section, a pharmacy and health section and much more. Ask John, an employee, about the Bonsai he grows, or Barbara about her family, for Bi-Mart employs the retired and young alike. It's also frequented by the elderly and nostalgic among us. The lovely, blooming plants that line the store front will welcome you in the Spring and Summer, as will the friendly staff who know the old-fashioned meaning of good...

Bi-Mart is never crowded, but always has plenty of cashiers and people around to help. Such good deals. Other than fresh produce, this store has everything I need. It amazes me how much variety they pack into a smallish (relative to a large grocery chain or home improvement store) footprint. They have sportsman's gear, pet supplies, food, beverages (including local beers & wines which I love - this isn't just some generic chain store), snacks, electronics, paint!, electrical/plumbing, auto-repair/maintenance supplies, garden and porch supplies including vegetable starts seasonally (ours did great last year), crock pots (recently discounted to $20 each for the good 6-qt Crock-Pot branded ones), pajamas, work clothes, toiletries, movies, games... always great deals on all of it. And the friendliest employees around. I go here on a Friday to stock up for the weekend on everything from beer and snacks to home-improvement project needs. Tuesdays they have their member rewards drawing. We've won once. I recommend starting here before heading to Lowes/Home Depot/Walmart (yes BiMart routinely has better deals than Walmart) or the grocery store - get your good deals before...

Awesome experience at my local Bi-Mart. Purchased a sidearm yesterday and had some great and knowledgeable assistance by their associate at the gun counter (also named Jordan) who made the whole process seamless. You can tell the guy really knows what he is doing and likes his job. Another customer came up to the counter and he greeted him by name, lending to my thoughts that these people really do care and know what they're doing. Came back the following day with some questions and concerns and was greeted promptly by their manager, a gentleman by the name of Jim who really made me feel like they take customer concerns seriously. He took me right back to their firearm counter and went over everything with me, making sure I was satisfied with my purchase and that all my questions were answered. Not often do you find people who show that kind of attention and strive for excellence like those two guys. All in all an awesome experience, this local store is lucky to have them both and next time you ever find yourself in there ask for either of those guys and you won't be disappointed. Big THANK YOU to both Jim and Jordan, will surely be back soon to do more...