By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON -- Dollar Tree has opened its newest story in the University Shopping Plaza, 5933 U.S. Highway 11.

“The traffic in the store has been wonderful so far,” store manager Mollie Field said.

The store was completely remodeled on the inside and stocked in about two weeks, according to Field.

“We have new ceilings, floors, tiles and paint on the inside…and they are currently working on the lighting for outside, Field said. “The outside work should be completed soon.”

The remodeling work was completed by contractors hired by the plaza owners while all shelving and stocking was handled by Dollar Tree employees.

The store currently employs 21 people.

A coloring contest for children is currently underway with the winner receiving a $10 gift card to the store. The contest will run until at least May 17.

Adults and children alike can win a $10 gift card by attempting to figure out how many tootsie rolls are in the guessing jar. There are also raffles for gift baskets.

The store will continue their celebration with “Shopping Cart Bingo” on May 10 and 17 with winners receiving a gift card to the store.

A grand opening was conducted last weekend and included a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the mayor, town officials and the chamber of commerce.

The event included area organizations including members from local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who were on hand recruiting. Renewal House had a table set up offering information and assistance about sexual assault and domestic violence.

Representatives from the AmVets Post 282 were in attendance raffling off a grill and the West Potsdam Fire Department were on-hand for a lottery tree raffle.

Field is originally from Watertown but has spent the last 30 years living in Canton. She says she helped open the Gouverneur Dollar Tree store last year and transferred once the Canton store was planned.

“I think people in Canton appreciate us being here judging by the response we’ve received and I hope it continues,” Field said.

Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The store will be open until 8 p.m. on Sundays for the first four weeks.

Products Dollar Tree stores carry include housewares, glassware, cleaning supplies, candy, food, health and beauty, toys, gift bags and wrap, party supplies, stationery, craft and teaching supplies, books, automotive products, pet supplies and more.

Every item in the store costs $1 or less.

There are currently more than 4,000 Dollar Tree stores nationwide and all stores are operated from the corporate headquarters in Chesapeake, VA.

To contact the Canton store, call 379-9429.