Dozens of Colusa County residents, not to mention travelers along Interstate 5 that stopped into Poppy Market in Arbuckle on Saturday, got far more than they expected from the new modern convenience store and gas station.
Poppy, whose mission is to reinvent convenience, celebrated the grand opening of its first store with great fanfare. Those popping in Saturday enjoyed free Crunchy Munchy chicken, a photo booth, balloon twister, and other giveaways – including coupons, car washes, and full tanks of gas.
The California company opened Poppy, named after the state flower, in December on Old Highway 99 and Interstate 5, at the north end of Arbuckle, conveniently located for travelers and residents.
“This is the first time we are building something like this here and the community has been awesome,” said CEO Varish Goyal. “It’s been fun to see people come by.”
The Poppy store and fueling station is equipped with a car wash, electric vehicle charging station, dog wash, full service restaurant, wi-fi, and a full line of products.
“I am so impressed with this store,” said Colusa County Chamber of Commerce Director Susan Gibbs. “It’s a perfect spot. They just got their sign up and you can see it from the freeway. The store is beautiful and it has everything.”
Poppy President of Retail, Pervez Pir, said there are currently three more Poppy convenience stores in progress in Southern California, with more expected in the future in Northern California.
Pir said the market and fueling station contains all the necessities that travelers need, but with real convenience for local shoppers, who normally have to travel a long distance for many necessities.
“Putting it right here as a hub for truckers that are going across or for local neighborhoods, it’s going to help them all out, I think,” Pir said.
While visitors on Saturday flocked in for the free fried chicken, the food items that will be stocked daily, in addition to Crunchy Munchy fare, include gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and rotisserie chicken.
“I’m so excited this store is here for us,” said Carmen Rojas. “I’ve been here lots of times since it opened. Everyone is very nice and friendly. The food is great and the store is in a good location.”
To make life even easier, Poppy’s loyalty program rewards customers by giving 800 points at signup to each customer when they validate their contact information. Customers will also earn four points for every $1 spent in the store and two points for every gallon of gas purchased. Poppy makes it easier for customers to redeem points towards their next purchase, making it convenient to get rewarded for everyday purchases. ■
Editors note: This article was updated from its printed version correcting the location to the North end of Arbuckle.