Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — Like many his age, Anees Kashmiri found job-hunting very difficult.

So, the Niagara University graduate decided to work with the family business. His father, Tony, runs the Jiffy Mart, located on the corner of Walnut and Washburn Streets. The Jiffy Mart is a convenience store, where most customers are looking for beer, cigarettes, lottery tickets and so on.

But for some time, the Kashmiris wanted a retail store to complement the Jiffy Mart. A place where customers could find other items such as fans, books and all kinds of paper products. Retail customers can shop around a little because they aren’t usually in a rush.

And the Save A Dollar was born. Next door to the Jiffy Mart was an old Hallmark greeting card outlet that had closed a while ago. The Kashmiris had owned the property since 2003.

Last month, the Hallmark store had transformed into Save A Dollar. For Kashmiri, running Save A Dollar wasn’t something he had planned on doing.

”Five years ago, I didn’t think I’d be here,” Kashmiri said.

Save A Dollar opened last month and has gotten off to a good start. The major obstacle is promotion, although the word is getting out. Tony Kashmiri said customers’ familiarity with Anees and the Jiffy Mart helps. Jiffy has been there since 1947.

“They know him, they know us,” Tony Kashmiri said. “The prices are lower here and the variety is greater.”

Just like the Jiffy Mart, Save A Dollar is going to rely on foot traffic. The Kashmiris enjoy the Washburn and Walnut corner, where many walkers go by. Main Street isn’t far from the corner, just like a number of city residences and bus stops. For most, it’s easier to walk to Save A Dollar or Jiffy, instead of paying for a taxi or taking a bus up the South Transit corridor, Tony Kashmiri said.

Anees Kashmiri graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 2003. Three years ago he completed his master’s degree in business administration and worked for M&T Bank. Kashmiri kept working at the Jiffy Mart, which taught him a few things that’ll be helpful at Save A Dollar.

Most of the items in the store are $1 or less. A few special items are available, such as outdoor chairs or oscillating fans. The Kashmiris keep a close eye on what moves off the shelves.

Because to be successful in business, paying attention is vital, Tony Kashmiri said. It’s like when a tree is planted, careful attention has to be paid so it grows properly.

And once the roots are established, that tree will stand against anything.

”The wind isn’t going to knock it down,” Tony Kashmiri said.

Save A Dollar is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day, except it is closed on Sundays.