They're considered inventory, just like a shoe store.  

Depending on the estimated value of belongings determines if/how long you have to store it.In your case they both gave notice so it is easy to determine their intent.  

As a newbie, I did this for several reasons but mainly to get a feel for what other the wholesalers are teeing up for their buyers and maybe even jump on one of their deals for my own. 

Also, WalMart now offers a store to store money transfer option for amounts up to $900. 

Personally, I use energy and eat so the inflation I experience at the gas station and the grocery store is much higher than the “official” number.

Do shoe stores buy shoes at a discount?

It is $25-$35 a 50 lb bag at Tractor Supply, Home Depot, or feed stores. 

I find all of those things on the cheap through Craigslist and thrift store arbitrage. 

Again, a grocery store may be easily converted into a retail department store type thing, but a grocery store going into a building that simply has open space can be very costly due to plumbing and food storage equipment.

You can pick up good quality paint for $3 to $5 a gallon if you do it this way but you need to go to an actual paint store like Sherwin.