By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although store employees are mum, Peabody’s new Dollar General store is clearly about to unlock its doors.

Norm Claassen of Peabody pulled up to the front of the store on a four-wheeler Tuesday to ask store employees on break when the store would open.

They told him they could not say because of corporate rules.

That’s the same answer they gave the newspaper, adding that they are “not allowed to talk to media.”

“We have it posted in the store, but we can’t talk to media,” the employee said.

Asked if the store manager was in, an employee said he was not.

Claassen was clearly disappointed not to get the answer. He’s eager to see the store open and provide variety shopping for Peabody.

Until now, Peabody shoppers needing a variety store have had to drive out of town, most often to Newton, Claassen said. He thinks the store will be good for the town.

Postings on social media by people who claim to have gotten information from store employees say the store will open Friday or Saturday.

Laura Somerville, corporate communications specialist for Dollar General, said a tentative soft opening date is Saturday, but that could change depending on circumstances.

“Please understand that we do not publicize these dates because they are fluid and contingent on construction progress,” Somerville said.

She said she anticipates an Aug. 26 grand opening celebration complete with gift cards and free samples for the first customers.

Several cars bearing Marion, Chase, Harvey, Kingman, and Sedgwick County license tags were parked in the lot.