99 Cent Store closing, blames 'slow business'

The Shafter 99 Cent store, right across the street from La Fonda restaurant, will be closing its doors for good in less than a month. According to owner Ali Mahamad, the move has been on their minds for some time.

"It has been very hard, with so much competition and slow business that we knew that it was time to move on," he said last week.

The store sells a large variety of items, from canned food and toiletries, to house décor and office supplies.

The location was previously operated as a hardware store over 40 years ago. Mahamad took over the store in 2018. He said that they had a good run, but it has been challenging the past few years, especially during and after the covid pandemic.

"It also didn't make any sense to run a 99 Cent Store but not be able to charge 99 cents for anything in the store. It just didn't make sense."

They have sold the property and have a contract with the new owners, allowing him to stay an extra month to sell as much inventory as they can. "We have some huge discounts right now, and we will be open for about another month," said Mahamad.

Asked if the new owners were going to keep it as a retail store, Mahamad said, "No, I believe that the new owner is planning on putting maybe a fast food franchise in there."

When questioned about this possibility, Mayor Chad Givens would only say, "It has been sold, and the existing building is going to be torn down."

Mahamad said that he has enjoyed his time in the store and there are no regrets. "I want to thank the community of Shafter for all of their support, and we appreciate everything you have done for us."

Mahamad said that with rates high, he and his father might look for other jobs for right now, keeping the possibility of another business on the back burner.