News

Landmarks Leaving But Business Strong in Hastings

Posted: 2:30 PM Aug 7, 2012
Reporter: Kim Eiten

Local Landmark Closing Down - Kim Eiten Reports at 9

Two long time businesses in Hastings are closed, or, in the process of closing the doors.

But, some say, that's not entirely a bad thing.

First, it was OK Cafe.

Now, it's Hometown Variety.

"We decided to close the store," Hometown Variety owner Jason Schreiner said.

That involves shutting it's doors after decades in business.

"Some people are a little disappointed," Schreiner said. "Some people hate to see the store go, but other people understand that's what happens in retail. There are a lot of changes that take place."

Those are changes that mean even as Hometown Variety says goodbye, new businesses are coming in.

Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce President Tom Hastings said there are dozens of others moving in or expanding.

"It's not like we're losing, we're really gaining, but we're losing a couple of landmarks that have been here a long, long time," he said.

Hastings said when businesses like Hometown Variety leave, it creates an opportunity for new businesses to come in, meaning steady growth for the community.

"We have other restaurants and other businesses coming to this community," he said. "For example, the OK Cafe is closing but we had Applebee's open."

That's a shift from a local restaurant to a chain one, but Hastings said plenty of locally owned businesses are joining a healthy economy too.

"We have a fantastic mix here," he said.

Schreiner is among those local businesses, still.

Even as he closes one store, he's staying local. In fact, he'll be right down the street at his other business.

And, Hastings siad business will continue to expand.

"I think one thing people in this community realize is that when they're supporting businesses in the community it's friends supporting friends, families supporting families," he said. "Right now, I think our future is pretty bright."