MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Ron Dean has run the only grocery store in downtown Montgomery- Knicker Knacker Market- for nearly two decades. He doesn’t know much else; it’s all he’s done since immigrating to Alabama from the Bahamas.
“Knicker Knacker Market, it’s like a baby for me,” Dean said. “We have over the counter goods, snacks, you name it. We have a little of everything.”
In recent years, making a living has been harder to come by.
“Before COVID, I was doing a lot better than I’m doing now,” Dean explained. “Even through COVID I was still open, I didn’t get any PPP money.”
Due to the decline in sales as well as issues with the IRS, Dean is now locked out of his store with all his inventory still inside. He needs $17,000 in overdue rent money just to get back inside, and much more for long term success.
“I’ve been here (Lee Street) for 13 years, and before here I was down the road. No one was willing to do what I did, so that should count for something,” Dean said. “I just hope that the service and the love I have for the community will be reciprocated,” he added. “In the end, I’m going to be okay regardless. I’m thinking about residents in the downtown area.”
Lisa Busler is one of those downtown residents depending on the store. She gets around via wheelchair, and since she lives less than a block away, it’s the only store she can get to independently.
“The only grocery store downtown, and for me, again, I can’t just hop in a car and drive somewhere to get something,” Busler explained. “There’s nowhere else to go now.”
She’s witnessed Dean’s generosity firsthand and says keeping this store open is a worthy cause for action.
“I’ve seen him help with people coming by that maybe didn’t have enough coinage,” Busler remembers. “I told him just the other day, I just paid my bills out of my social security, but as soon as those bills get cleared, I’m going to see what’s left so I can donate.”
Click here to donate and save the Knicker Knacker Market.
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