New Marketplace Coming To Oskaloosa
Tammy McMains just recently purchased the Wilcox-Garland Furniture location, and is preparing to open the building up for small businesses to have a downtown presence.
The former Wilcox-Garland location will once again be buzzing with the sound of commerce. Tammy McMains, from Stafford Agency/Prairie Farmers Insurance Agency and Oskaloosa Outfits and Antiques, had an informational meeting in her new building Monday night with those interested in the possibility of moving their small businesses into the “Mall”. The building will offer ample space for vendors to showcase their businesses and to act as a launching off point for them to grow and provide Oskaloosa with more choices in shopping and services.
As of April 29th, McMains took possession of the building from long time owner and local businessman Bob Jones, who in 1958 had purchased Wilcox-Garland Furniture from Howard Wilcox. Before purchasing the business, Jones had worked as a salesman for 11 years for Wilcox and Garland. In a quote from 1958, Jones said, “We are the same quality store that your parents and their parents and friends have purchased their furniture from for the last 100 years.”
Wilcox-Garland Furniture as it appeared in the 1950's (photo courtesy Bob Jones)
That kind of spirit of entrepreneurship, McMains idea of using the large building, has taken root in other area communities. Grinnell and Newton have similar locations already in operation, and several businesses have already outgrown the ‘starting point’ a place like this can help provide. Market Place on Second, located in Newton Iowa and owned by Susan Forbes, is one of the more recent places to open in the area that offers similar services to the small business.
Oskaloosa Outfits and Antiques will be moving into the West 1/2 of the first floor of the building, while the East 1/2 of the building is already spoken for for antique booths. The building is located at 203 High Ave East in Oskaloosa. The second floor will also contain more from Oskaloosa Outfits and Antiques.
Rates for floor space at press time were $1.00 a square foot on the first floor, and $.50 a square foot on the second floor. An example would be: a 10 foot by 10 foot display area would be $50.00 a month.
McMains says that a business would be “born here” as the very reasonable retail space would help the home business get moved into a downtown presence. “It’s an affordable way, in our economy, to bring forth some new businesses and help our local economy.” McMains went on to say. There will be staff on hand to help keep things running smoothly. The Mall will collect a 10% commission from each vendor to help cover costs such as advertising for the location, maintenance on the location, and cleaning. Each vendor will have a 6 hour commitment each week to volunteer on site, as well, whenever or however they can. With 1000’s of square feet available at this location, McMains says she would love to attract some artists and photographers to have gallery spaces as well.
If you have more questions on the upcoming Market Mall, contact Tammy McMains either by phone 641.799.1436 or by email tammy@johnsoninsurancesales.com
