By Morgan Swem ,
Like U-Pick Farms USA , Bulk Nation has its uniqueness .Moreover, bulk nation is a gem of its own that is new to the Lakeland community. It offers the feel of an old-time candy store, with the deals of buying items in bulk like Costco.
When you walk into the store you are greeted by one of the workers asking you if you’ve ever been there. If it’s your first time there, they will explain to you how everything works. Everything at Bulk Nation is measured by weight. So, if you want to buy a lot of something, it saves you some money. Buying in bulk actually makes the item cheaper, hence the name Bulk Nation. The only downfall is that if you only buy a little of something it actually ends up being a little bit more, but many of the items that they sell are not sold just anywhere, so it is still a good deal !
Your senses are instantly overwhelmed by a variety of smells, and a vast array of barrels stretching from wall to wall. There are four rows that are lined with plastic barrels that have silver scoops in each bin. Each bin is numbered and gives you the price per pound. Right above the bins they have a roll of bags and a box of bag tags and pencils. You just grab a bag, and start shoveling whatever treat you want and the amount you want. Then you just write the bin number on the bag and tie it shut.
“I think it’s such a unique place and there is not really something like that here in Lakeland,” Emily Cadenhead said. “From what I’ve heard about it, it sounds like a place called Ma and Pa’s place back in Texas, so I am really excited to go try it,” Cadenhead continued.
In the front of the store there is a big red poster on the left window showing you what items are on sale for the week. There is also a special section in the front across from the register with all the seasonal and featured items. They even have a sign-up sheet that allows you to be sent emails and recipes each week, which are also offered on their website.
Though the store sells items in bulk like Costco, it doesn’t sell everything that Costco does. It sells more specialty types of food. Bulk Nation offers a variety of items to buy in bulk. From soup mix, nuts, spices, chocolate covered coffee beans and trail mix. It even has an entire section of candy from the 90’s, ranging from gummy frogs to peanut butter candies. You can buy almost any candy you could possibly think of. On top of buying items in bulk, you can also buy boxed mixes, baking supplies, piñatas and soaps. It even has a station in the back where you can make your own almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter.
Bulk Nation is located off US Highway 98 in the Shoppes of Lakeland strip mall. They are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Come visit!
