New True Value Store Opens

LINCOLN -- The new Farmers Co-Op True Value store in Lincoln has almost tripled in size and is carrying 10,000 new items.

Farmers Co-Op moved from its location on South Main with 2,500 square feet to its new location at 113 E. Pridemore St. It is now called Farmers Co-Op True Value and is in the former Family Dollar Store building with almost 7,000 square feet. The business also built a new warehouse next door and this structure provides an additional 5,000 square feet to store feed.

Richard Cooper, store manager, said True Value is one of the business' main vendors and that is why Farmers Co-Op added True Value to its name.

Another reason is to take advantage of True Value's name recognition, Cooper said.

"True Value is very beneficial because of their national advertising and buying power," Cooper said, noting one of the best parts of partnering with True Value is that customers can order online from the True Value website and have items shipped free to the Lincoln store.

The store has five employees and is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The store held its grand opening April 17-18.

The store now has a complete line of hardware items for purchase. Other items for sale include electrical and plumbing needs, gardening supplies, spray paint, Muck Boots for all ages, household items, chemicals and veterinarian supplies.

The store also is carrying Echo power equipment and that has been a good product for the store.

Since opening March 23, the store's traffic count has already doubled. Cooper said he expects customers will come to the store from a 30-mile range because of the convenience of its location along U.S. 62 and the variety of merchandise the store carries.

"The visibility on the highway makes a world of difference," Cooper said. "The most important thing is that we listen to our customers and try to get what they want. Every week I put in more new products that our customers want."

Some of these new products have been Ryder mower blades, bicycle tubes and lawnmower batteries, he said.

Cooper, who has worked in a farm-related business for 49 years, has been manager of Farmers Co-Op in Lincoln for seven years. He describes the company, based in Van Buren, as providing a family-type surrounding.

"In fact, we like to say we're one big family," Cooper said.

Cooper expressed his appreciation to the city of Lincoln and the staff's willingness to help the store move to a new location.

Heather Keenen, president of Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is excited that the former Family Dollar Store did not remain empty and now has a new business in it.

Farmers Co-Op True Value came in and completely remodeled the building.

"We're just thrilled to have them and are glad that this building could be put to good use," Keenen said. "They've done a good job and the we hope the pride they have for Lincoln will carry over to the rest of the town."

Cooper said he also hopes that the new store will attract other businesses to Lincoln and help the community grow.