Article and photo by Eric H.
Benny’s might be overlooked as a true locally-owned store because of its chain status, but the crowds of people that frequent this general store validate its appealing, timeless and relevant presence.
In business since 1924, this Rhode Island-based company has several locations over southern New England. What impresses me most about Benny’s is that the customer service has always been attentive (a rare commodity these days, unfortunately) and I can usually find what I’m looking for at a good bargain. The inventory is quite diverse: housewares, automotive, home improvement, electronics, toys and games, fishing and marine, seasonal items, pool supplies, sporting goods, and lawn and garden. The toys, bikes, tires and back-to-school sections are perhaps most impressive!
Benny’s looks like the old Woolworth’s stores, but with a bow tie. The stores are generally modern-looking and well-organized and always clean and well lit. It’s nice that a local chain like Benny’s can maintain quality standards and survive quite well in a world of super stores. This is really a great success story of how a store with humble beginnings could grow into such a successful entity!
