03/28/2024
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By Cara Beth Lewis 

Since 1940, this family business has served the community. From Elizabethtown to Dublin, Inman’s IGA is a customer-focused business that has a goal to continue to serve customers and the community for years to come.

Inman’s IGA has a long history. According to current owners, Allen Bedsole and Melissa Lockamy, Inmans was founded in 1940 in Elizabethtown by Jim Inman.  Jesse Inman started in the grocery business in 1946 after coming back from WWII, and George joined him in the business later.  Originally they were located in the building where Bladen Crisis Center is now.  They became a Red and White in 1960 and built a new store that was located where the Farmers Market is now.  Inmans first came to Dublin in early 1970’s and was located where Houston’s Peanuts is currently located. Joe and Tony Inman opened the current location in January 1981.  In 2000, they switched to the IGA  franchise and added the fuel center in 2003.

Allen Bedsole and Melissa Lockamy started in the store as cashiers and worked their way up to manager positions. Eventually, they purchased the business from Joe and Tony Inman in 2016. They added, “We have been here so long that we are about as much Inman as we are Bedsole.”

Allen and Bedsole may not have the Inman name, but they decided to keep the Inman name for the business. Here is why: “Most people in Bladen County can not remember a time when there was not an Inmans Grocery store. So when we took over the business we made sure to keep the Inman name and to continue the heritage of great service they have established,” they said.

Inman’s IGA is family-owned, family-operated, and family-focused. They strive to provide an excellent shopping experience for their customers – many of which now feel like family. Allen and Bedsole stated, “We have a small hometown business and know almost all of our customers by name, and their family members.  We see our customers as our friends and family and try to go out of our way to make sure they have the best shopping experience we can provide.”

Quality is also very important to the Inman’s IGA team. They shared, “We provide the freshest meats and produce that can be found.  Our meat department will custom cut to your order and offer Inman Brothers fresh sausage, which we make in store.  We also serve numerous local restaurants in the area with their meats and other items.”

Although Inman’s IGA is sticking to tradition, they are also working to move forward, improve, grow, and offer more to their customers. Digital and online coupons are currently in the works, as well as a customer loyalty program that should be up and running by the end of April. In addition to new products and a wider variety, remodeling and improvement projects are also underway.

Management says, “Our main goal is to provide the freshest meats, produce, and grocery items available, and the best customer service.  We are a family business and try our best to treat everyone that walks through our doors as family.  We want people to look forward to coming to shop at Inman’s IGA because they are going to get the best products and friendliest service that we can provide.”

Although Inman’s IGA currently has a full staff, applications are always accepted and kept on file for when a job opportunity arises. Visit the store for an application.

Lastly, the owners shared, “Inmans started out in 1940 as a family owned and run business, with the focus being on the customer.  We are continuing that tradition and building on the legacy that was laid out before us. We have been in business for 82 years and plan to be here for at least 82 more.  Allen’s son Sam is the assistant store manager and has plans on one day taking over the family business, so that is a definite possibility.”

Inman’s IGA is located at 120 Third Street in Dublin. Call (910)862-3724.

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