The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Lauren Franczyk, Macomb Eagle Staff Writer (used with permission)
Delbert Kreps opened his first store when he was a mere 19 years old, but it certainly wasn't his last. As of March 1, Kreps is opening the much-anticipated Daily Dollar Center, 106 E. Market St., Which will offer Colchester residents an alternative to driving to nearby towns to shop.
Kreps and his wife, Rhonda, are co-owners of R & D Foods in both Colchester and La Harpe. Daily Dollar Center will be located next door to their Colchester grocery store location.
"It will be good for Colchester to have (this) kind of store," said Kreps.
The Daily Dollar Center will carry a wide variety of dollar-priced items, including crafts, school supplies, gift wrap, hardware, electronics, balloons and greeting cards (priced at two for a dollar).
"This type of store covers everything," he said. "You can find anything you want. People won't have to go to (neighboring towns), because they can get it here."
All of the dollar items will be set up in the front room of the store, making up a majority of the inventory, but there will also be a large back room with a sign saying "the buck stops here," where the higher priced and holiday items will be housed.
All of the stocks are purchased through their Wisconsin-based supplier, Promotions Unlimited, who also supplies all of the Ben Franklin Stores.
Although Kreps did not have to do a great deal of work on the building, being that it was in better shape than many in the area, he did repaint all the walls and ceilings, put in new carpeting, retile the entryway, add additional lighting and a new sound and security system.
"It was dark and dingy before," he said. "We've brightened things up."
The Kreps', who reside in La Harpe, decided to open the store after seeing how much success the Dollar General across the street from their La Harpe grocery store had.
However, Kreps said they would never have opened it if the building next to their Colchester grocery store had not become available - not only because of the location, but because of the condition of the building as well.
He also thinks opening the Daily Dollar Center will be a great opportunity for the Colchester business district.
"Colchester really doesn't have that much to offer," said Kreps." But if we can get this type of thing going, then maybe we can draw something else to town."
He has hired six employees (two full-time and four part-time). He plans to keep at least two people in the store at all times, but, depending on how business goes, he may hire several more.
"Being that it's such a new venture, I really don't know what to expect," Kreps said with a laugh. "We'll just play it by ear. From what I hear, though, the people are going to be lined up Monday morning."
Daily Dollar Center will open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call Daily Dollar Center at 217/776-3780.