Oskaloosa True Value Proves To Be Downtown Shopping Anchor Store
Glenda and Brian Booy in front of the Oskaloosa True Value store.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – For many in Oskaloosa, the fire that destroyed the Swims building, and damaged the building that housed the Oskaloosa True Value had a lasting impact on their lives.
For many of us, the impact was felt only in the inconvenience of not having one of the downtown shopping destinations available any longer.
About 3 months ago, True Value opened it’s doors once again, with new owners, Brian and Glenda Booy, at the helm. “It was very important for us to stay in this location”, says Glenda about the efforts to keep the store in it’s former location.
Since then, the store has not missed a beat, filling the niche that many in Oskaloosa had counted on for generations. The changes align the store to more of a “fitting type home center”, says Brian.
“She got a little of her way. I got a lot of my way”, joked Brian of the remodeled store. “Not really”, says Brian, laughing.
“It was tug and pull there for awhile”, says Glenda. “I’m not giving up my space”.
“You got 50 foot, I’m getting 50 foot”, said Brian, joking about the process of redesigning the store.
For 3 days, the store and it’s owners celebrated with a grand opening that welcomed new and old customers. A bounce house for the kids, and the aroma of the open grill from the Mahaska County Cattlemen filled the stomachs of the visitors.
A giant sidewalk sale encouraged the bargain shopper with great deals.
“I believe that you have to give back to the community”, said Brian of the grand opening event. “To watch the people, and the comments and the excitement; it’s like a party”.
But inside the store, you would find new owners Brian and Glenda attending to customer needs, and answering questions.
Brian owns a construction company, and he’s bringing that expertise to bear in the store, while Glenda’s years of work leading an area radio station helps the duo connect with the community.
If you ask Brian, he credits the store layout to Glenda, and her ability to understand how shoppers are best served. “It’s a team effort, her and I”.
“It has been packed”, says Glenda of the crowd that found their way to the store for the grand opening event.
“It takes a team”, said Brian. “We’ve got great people that work here. We’re really blessed to have all of them”.
Glenda praised the community because “they pull together so well”, to support each other.
You can find out more about the Oskaloosa True Value store by visiting them on their Facebook page HERE.
