Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh store opened to customers Friday morning in Cresco

Even a heavy thunderstorm Friday morning in Cresco couldn't keep curious shoppers from entering the new Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh store on Highway 9 west, in a former Shopko building.

Hy-Vee District Store Director Jeremy Low and Cresco Dollar Fresh Manager Andrew Olson led a staff of employees in opening the new business, which Low says is a business that aims to stay true to its name.

The "Dollar" refers to Hy-Vee's commitment to having low prices in the store, Low says.  The company has looked for ways of cutting its operating costs, such as having 100 percent self-checkout areas, and passing the savings along to customers. Like a dollar store, the Dollar Fresh also carries shoes (from DSW) and clothing.

The "Fresh" refers to a variety of freshly-made products the store is selling--fresh produce, fresh meat, freshly-baked bread and other baked goods, and freshly prepared food are for sale.

Cresco is the second new format Dollar Fresh to open, with the first being in Vinton three weeks ago.  The Dollar Fresh in Hampton will open next week and the Dollar Fresh in Waukon will open in July, says Low, who will be the store director at the full format Hy-Vee in Decorah when it opens this fall.