|
Left to right, Kaleb, Kevin and Doug Shumard pull up old carpeting
as they work to ready store.
The store with a total of 8,000 square feet, with 5,400 of that
being retail floor space, will be the largest Sears dealer store in
Illinois when it opens, according to Shumard.
Even with a hard day’s work already in, Shumard still has that
infectious enthusiasm that made him a successful businessman in town
when he owned the quick oil change business now called Four Corners
Lube. It was the hiatus away from retail that caused Shumard to dive
into this undertaking. "I missed the people. I missed my friends and
this community," Doug explained.
The store will have a strong presence of Kenmore appliances and
Craftsman tools, but there will be a great deal more for shoppers to
buy locally when the business opens, including an array of
flat-panel televisions.
It isn’t lost on Shumard that his name will now be associated
with Sears in Logan County. "Sears is a great name. They have been
in business for years and years, and their reputation is known by
everyone. This is a great opportunity," Doug stated.
[to top of second column] |
He wanted it known that he feels his store will not hurt other local
retailers. "I believe a million dollars is spent by local people
shopping at Sears stores in other communities. A lot of people use a
Sears credit card, and in fact 78 percent of Sears sales go through
their credit department. I believe we will be able to keep that
business local."
Shumard is confident that the new store will be received well by
the community. "We will offer great service, and that is always the
key," he said.
Although an exact date has not been set, Shumard is hoping to
open early in July; thus, loyal Sears shoppers won’t have to wait
too long to buy right here in Lincoln.
[By MIKE FAK]
|
