Heritage IGA being sold to Bassett's IGA

Heritage IGA is to become the fourth store in the local Bassett's IGA group. The store at 479 E. Market St., Tiffin, has been owned by David and Jenny Kelch since July 2009, and they plan to retire. "The rumor is true," said Charlie Bassett, who is to become the new owner. "We're taking over on June 1. We're very excited and the reception has been fantastic so far." The Tiffin store will be the fourth local Bassett's location. Other stores are Bassett's Market Bellevue; Bassett's Hardware and City Market, Port Clinton; and Bassett's Market Port Clinton. There will be minimal changes to the store in the first few months, he said, and customers shouldn't expect any disruptions. The name will remain Heritage IGA for the time being. "We're sending in one of our managers who has worked with us for a long time," he said. "We want to keep everything running smoothly." He said he's hoping the entire staff of current employees will choose to remain. "We have a list of things we want to do," he said. "Some immediately and some are more long term. "We're going to keep the things that are great about the store," Bassett said. "Eventually, down the road, it'll become Bassett's." He said the sale worked out well because it's a well-run store that's established in the community. In the future, Bassett said the company will take all the best features of the Bellevue and Port Clinton stores and incorporate them into the Tiffin store. He said many Tiffin people are familiar with Bassett's other locations. "We've got some great signature products," he said. "We have our own pickles and our own olive oils and baked items." But the Heritage IGA doughnuts will remain. "We're not changing the doughnuts," he said. "We're very sensitive to those things that people love. Grocery stores become part of your life when you live near one."