What I'm noticing about the stores going in and around the Southgate Mall are that they are exactly like stores that already exist there. We've got Bob Wards across the parking lot from the Mall, and now we're getting Scheels, which is also a sporting goods store. We've got Cost Plus World Market in the same strip at Bob Wards, and now the Mall is opening an international foods store across the street. What's next, a Mall store that sells bedding, towels, and other things "beyond"?

Samar International Food Market is now open daily in the Paxson Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., next to the new Big Dipper and across from the AMC. The Southgate Mall says they are a locally owned food market featuring specialty foods from around the world. You can find a little more about what kinds of products they offer on their Facebook page. I'm seeing things like fresh chili peppers, Filipino coffee, Ensaimada, Red Ribbon brand items, pandesal, pande ube, and many canned goods to choose from. And

In the meantime, the new Scheel's store, which will occupy the entire west end of the Southgate Mall is now hiring ahead of their grand opening in October. Honestly, EVERYONE is hiring right now and is short staffed, which is why Montana's Governor is offering a $1200 bonus to residents who get and keep a job for at least 4 weeks, get details here. Perhaps you can join the Scheel's team AND get a state bonus! Apply here and keep checking back for more positions to open. You can also find updates on the Missoula location on Facebook and Instagram.

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