The Peru Gazette

Heather Garrow

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru has a new convenience store. On May 3rd Shawn and Heather Garrow opened Valcour Convenience at 3999 Route 9, opposite Dana’s Rusty Anchor Restaurant and only a short distance north of the Peru Dock.  The store offers Route 9 travelers, nearby campers and anyone living in close proximity traditional convenience store products, plus items unique to  people enjoying Lake Champlain and its environs. 

Heather Garrow explained, “My husband always dreamed of opening his own business. I’ve been in retail almost all my life. I enjoy helping people. I wanted to be the hands-on person, so I’m here almost all the time.” By all the time Heather means from Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours may change after Labor Day. 

Heather said, “Our breakfast sandwiches have been selling out every morning. They’re very yummy.  We have deli meats, chili, michigans and subs and we’ll be expanding the menu offering such things as pasta and chef salads.  We have soft serve ice cream and we just added hard ice cream.” 

Inside customers can sit at comfortable tables or at an indoor bar. Soon Heather and Shawn will place tables and chairs outdoors where people will undoubtedly enjoy the Lake Champlain and Valcour Island views. 

The store’s beer cave contains both domestic and craft beers and its coolers are filled with a complete line of soft drinks and other beverages including milk.  Ice is also being stocked. 

Peru’s many campers will undoubtedly appreciate the store’s camping section which will include firewood, charcoal and propane.   

Boaters will find fishing tackle, worms and minnows.  As Heather Garrow said, “We are trying to carry something for everyone.”