Asheville businessman forced to move because of Trader Joe’s reacts: It’s a financial setback

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s the note from loyal reader JK Denny of Liberty Tax Service on Merrimon Avenue, a local business that will be displaced by the new Trader Joe’s coming to town:

I received Cap Asheville LLC’s Estoppel and Subordination Agreement from broker Keith Frierson Monday the 2nd. The agreements stated terms of assignment of lease agreements and deposit transfer notification and other maintenance agreements assigned to Cap Asheville by the current owner of 120 Merrimon Avenue property. I was told this was to be signed immediately.

I was advised failure to sign the agreement may postpone the sale but when the sale would occur, then I would be evicted within 30 days. I am a senior citizen and disabled veteran who next year will begin my fourth tax season with Liberty Tax Service here in my North Asheville territory.

I train, test and hire 4-6 tax preparers each tax season who are also screened by the I.R.S. and are issue PTINs or tax preparer electronic signature identification. As part of a North American franchise of 4,000 location, Liberty franchisees also hire outside marketers, or waivers who dress in our signature uniform of Miss Liberty…..each year 20,000 of these waivers are hired seasonally. This tax preparation service is professional and accurate and with as much fun and enjoyment that can be had with such a obligation to pay taxes ( or receive a refund).

Miss Liberty accounts for bringing in 1/3rd of our new clients and the second most successful strategy is client referrals. Each season we get new clients from other states who have relocated here and had a good experience with Liberty Tax Service in their former resident state. After some discussion of the hardship of losing a great location on Merrimon Avenue and Chestnut Street, a verbal rent agreement was arrange by myself, Mr. Frierson and Doug Wynn of Cap Asheville.

However I was not able to amend or alter the E&S Agreement. Since January to April 2013 is my prime season, I will have to relocate. Training a full staff for next season maybe problematic due to relocation to yet an unknown location which may interrupt retention of tax clients. I do look at this as being a financial setback.

I enjoyed shopping with Trader Joe’s in Newport News and Virginia Beach. My only complaint would be that I quickly filled up my cloth grocery bag and spent more money than I intended. The stores were 20 and 30 miles from my home. I will point out that Harris Teeter is a North Carolina based concern unlike Trader Joe’s who is headquartered out of NC. Thus more revenues and profits would be retained in NC with HT. I also would say that the traffic at the corner of Merrimon and Chestnut is already dense and gets hectic when emergency vehicle need to get through the traffic light.

Cordially, J K Denny

828 505-2002