County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Family Retail Tradition Continues at Discount Variety

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Discount Variety is the kind of hidden gem that once you find it becomes your favorite go-to store. That store is now changing ownership but staying in the family. Brendan Powell has recently purchased the store from his grandmother Theresa Powell.

Theresa has been operating the store for over 20 years. She retrofitted two buildings into one to create a large retail space. Her grandson Brendan isn’t the first in the family to follow in her footsteps. Brendan’s father is Chuck Powell of the chain of Chuck’s Shop and Save Stores in Harrison, Prudenville and recently, Lake City.

“He is my hardest working grandchild.” Theresa is clearly a proud grandmother turning over the reins to Brendan. “He knows what to do and he is a hard worker. If he needs me, I’ll be here to help.”

While retiring completely isn’t something Theresa plans to do, she’s looking to do some things she enjoys. One will be setting up a greenhouse recently gifted to her by her family. She notes her roots growing up on a farm and her family selling their plants, produce, and chickens at the Eastern Market in Detroit. Theresa remarked, “I don’t want to retire. I feel when people retire, they retire from everything and sometimes they get sick and don’t do anything anymore.”

Clearly, a strong work ethic runs in the family. When asked about his age, Brendan just turned 21, he said, “Since I’ve been able to walk, I’ve been working.” Most of that time has been helping his grandmother in the store.

Brendan recently had another life change in October. He married his sweetheart, Apryll. She currently works for her in-laws and joins Brendan at Discount Variety on the weekends and on her days off.

The store uses the tag line “Big Variety, Smaller Price” and it is accurate! The store is full of tools, pet supplies and toys, garden and yard items, kitchen items, cleaning supplies and much more at affordable prices.

Brendan invites anyone who hasn’t been into the store to stop by. View Discount Variety’s special for the month of February in their ad on page 2.

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