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the green years for America's dollar stores. It was during these fertile years that Steven Bakst, a
seasoned buyer who has over 20 years experience purchasing closeout and
over-stocked merchandise, opened the first Just-A-Buck store, in Poughkeepsie,
New York, with his sister, Rochelle. The crowds in the aisles of the flagship
Just-A-Buck store reinforced the Baksts faith in the dollar store concept.
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So successful was the first store that the company soon
opened more. With each new store, Just-A-Buck refined the concept until they
perfected a tried-and-true formula. Finding competent managers to maintain the
locations in the prescribed manner wasnt easy. Unlike some dollar stores often
marred by hodgepodge displays and disheveled merchandise, Just-A-Buck stores
were meticulously neat and clean. Customer service was never one of the items
permitted to be discounted.
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The Baksts had an idea that owners/operators would have the
spirit to make their stores succeed. They took a third partner, Robert Capone,
and in 1992 sold their first franchise. Today, Just-A-Buck stores are
flourishing. Many are in the very same locations where other dollar stores
failed. And theyre run by franchisees who have discovered the American dream
really can come true. All it takes is lots of drive and Just-A-Buck.
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Our Distinguishing Characteristics
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Just-A-Buck Licensing, Inc., headquartered in New Windsor, New York, support a
chain of franchised and company-owned dollar stores with locations throughout
the eastern United States.
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The first store opened in Poughkeepsie in 1988. The company became eligible
to sell franchises in 1992.
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While many dollar stores have closed, Just-A-Buck is growing. Why?
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Merchandising, display, and the fact that so many of our stores are
owned by franchisees eager to make their businesses grow. Through the
years, Just-A-Buck has controlled its growth. We are just the right
size large enough for volume discounts, yet small enough to purchase
smaller lot sizes, which often contain items of the greatest value.
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Our first franchisee now owns five franchises. Another franchisee
purchased a second location only three weeks after buying the first.
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Just-A-Buck is a recipient of the Blue Chip Enterprise Award,
which recognizes small businesses that have effectively used resources
to create opportunities. The award is co-sponsored by MassMutual, the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nations Business Magazine, and the television
news program, "First Business."
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