At this point, most people know that Elma is home of the Whopper, but Elma also will be home to a new Bi-Mart location by spring 2018.

Elma Mayor Jim Sorensen announced on Friday, June 23, that Bi-Mart had signed on to be the newest business at Eagles Landing. Currently, only Burger King has set up shop at Eagles Landing. The new store is expected to hire some 50 to 80 employees.

“I am very pleased. To have businesses coming into Elma is a great thing,” Sorensen told The Vidette last week. “Having more jobs in Elma is a great thing.”

According to Wikipedia, Bi-Mart is an employee-owned chain of retailers located in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Bi-Mart has a store in Aberdeen at 310 Myrtle Street. The store carries a broad range of products — electronics, hardware and automotive supplies and equipment, outdoor goods, limited groceries, hunting gear and pet supplies.

“They sell a lot of things we can’t get from other retailers in town — home electronics is a big one, and a lot more choice for clothing and sporting goods,” Sorensen said.

Locally owned Dennis Company already has a store in Elma. Dennis Company offers similar products (but not home electronics or groceries). Sorensen said he believes both stores will see success in Elma.

“Dennis Company will be the one sour note, but I’m sure most people will still go to Dennis Company for the things they have in the past,” Sorensen said when asked about the competition. “With Burger King, other restaurants are still doing well.”

Bi-Mart had not responded to multiple requests for comment by the time The Vidette went to press.