Long-time Red Oak business closing doors
Schweser’s president Tyler Smith announced Friday the Red Oak store will be closing its doors this winter.
The company has made the decision to close stores due to declining sales and increasing costs.
“This decision was very difficult, and it is with much sadness that we have to make this announcement,” said Smith in a press release. “We have operated in Red Oak for many years, which means this will leave a hole in the lives of many in the community. However, the business has to be profitable to survive. The sales trends, expense trends and retail shopping and demographic trends have been against us for a few years, and in spite of our changes and attempts to find the right path to profitability, we have reached the end.”
Smith said the Red Oak location has seen a drop in sales over the past three-four years and said the store has not been able to overcome the monetary loss.
In a press release, Smith mentions problems that could have caused the drop in sales such as Internet shopping and changing demographics, but said expenses such as cost of goods have continued to rise.
The store will remain open through February for one final holiday season. Although they plan to stay open for a few months, the closing sale has already begun.
In the press release, Smith said the Schweser’s company intends to fulfill purchase agreements that have already been put in place for the fall. The store will continue to stock, but will have reduced items for sale.
The store will also sell racks and fixtures. Smith said some will be available for purchase immediately, but because the store is remaining open, not all will be up for sale until closer to closing.
Smith said the company is sad to leave the Red Oak community and he appreciates the support the store’s patrons have offered.
“We will forever be grateful to the employees in Red Oak who have worked with us over the years, our loyal customers and the entire community for supporting us,” Smith said.
The store currently employees between six-eight people. Smith said the company wanted to announce the closing early to enable their employees to find other opportunities.
“We want to give our current employees as much notice as we can to make the transition as easy as possible,” Smith said. “We take pride in the legacy of service we have delivered to our communities for many years, and we hope to honor the legacy of Schweser’s in Red Oak with one final holiday season.”
No official closing date has been announced.
Earlier this year, Schweser’s announced the closing of six locations including its Denison store.
The company is closing other stores including its locations in Atlantic, Lincoln, Neb., Marshall, Minn., Columbus, Neb., Fremont, Neb. and Beatrice, Neb.