Business & Tech

Knowing their Customers Key to Cassie's Corner's Success

Christine Woodard shares her story of coming to Canton and running Cassie's Corner.

Locally owned convenience and grocery stores aren’t all that common these days, but some local businesses are thriving.

In the age of Mobil on the Run and Hess Expresses, Christine Woodard is continuing to thrive in Canton at Cassie’s Corner Store.

“I had a friend in high school who lived down the street and I always used to come here,” she said.

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Woodard bought the property for Cassie’s Corner Store 20 years ago when the property was vacant, and she’s built a good local business out of it.

“The store had closed, and in October 1992, it was something I figured I’d try,” she said. “I had just graduated college and I had managed a store previously in Randolph through college. There was a for rent sign and I went for it.”

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Woodard lives in Stoughton, which brings her grief from regular customers sometimes because of the football rivalry between the two towns during the Thanksgiving Day game.

“When Stoughton lost this year they were ribbing me so bad,” she said with a laugh.

Woodard said this good-natured competition and interaction is good for the business, as well as building relationships with the people in Canton and the surrounding communities, which she said makes up a good portion of her base.

“We know most of the names of our regulars,” she said. “We know what they want and we usually have their stuff ready for them when they come in. I have a really friendly staff. Everyone here interacts with the customers and we try to be accommodating.”

She added she accommodates most any reasonable requests in the store.

“I stock drinks here because just one person drinks them,” she said. “I make sure I keep their items on hand. I really just like the interaction and knowing my clientele. It really makes it enjoyable.”

Woodard said she studied business at UMass-Amherst, and also owns a store in Randolph.

She also donates her time to the Stoughton Pop Warner Football program.

“I’ve been involved there for 11 years,” she said. “I’ve been cheer coordinator for years and I coached before that.”

She said started because both her children participate in the Pop Warner football and cheerleading programs.

“It gives the kids a lot of self esteem, they build team spirit and they’ve made life long friendships,” she said. “Our cheerleaders brought three first places and two third places this year. The year before, we had both teams go to regional competitions.”

Cassie’s Corner is located at the intersection of Chapman Street and Washington Street, and is open Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.


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