Oskaloosa — There's a bit of everything at the County Seat Variety Store from clothing and embroidery thread to pots, pans and toys.
But Jim and Martha Ann Swoyer, store owners since 1980, have decided it's time to retire the town's only general store.
Martha Ann and Jim Swoyer are retiring Oskaloosa's longtime general store, County Seat Variety Store, after owning it since 1980. Jim Swoyer said he's tried to find a buyer for the store, but has had no luck.
"There's always been a variety store here. When my family moved to town in 1928, there was a variety store," recalled Jim Swoyer, 78, as he rattled off the list of previous owners. "First, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton had it on the west side of the street and then moved to the south side of the street."
The couple marked down merchandise by 20 percent, and Christmas items are 50 percent off. The single-story building, across from the Jefferson County Courthouse, has been for sale for a while now.
"There's no market for these little stores," Jim Swoyer said. "We've tried and tried to find a buyer."
Over the last few years, sales have declined. The Swoyers said people don't shop locally and instead go to Topeka, Lawrence or Kansas City.
"Saturday used to be our biggest day, but no one comes to town anymore," Martha Ann Swoyer, 82, said.
They have income coming in from their law practice, Swoyer & Swoyer, where they will celebrate 50 years in business together this year. Jim Swoyer's father, James Sr., started the firm in 1928. The couple also owns some farmland and rental properties.
During the week, they spend their days handling cases in the office, stopping by the store for 30 minutes before it closes. On Saturdays, they help at the store nearly all day.
One thing the Swoyers will miss are their trips to buy new merchandise from different companies and wholesalers. They belong to a cooperative of variety stores and have made several trips to Harlan, Iowa, every year to buy new items. Jim Swoyer said the cooperative used to print a 1,000-page catalog, and all 8,000 items would be on display at a show.
"For several years, I purchased the whole showroom after the sale," he said. "I came home with 8,000 one-of-a-kind items. It took a 45-foot trailer to bring it all home."
Their most popular items have been heavy brown cotton duck coats and insulated overalls, as well as flannel shirts, jeans and rubber boots.
"The key to the store is to sell good products," Jim Swoyer said.
Although the Swoyers will miss running the store, they suspect their four grandchildren will miss it more.
"They've all clerked here at one time, since they were little tikes," Jim Swoyer said.
Their granddaughter, Sarah Ann Swoyer, 19, said she often worked at the store. She helped during her break from Emporia State University.
"Before I was in school, I remember Grandma pointing out what buttons to push," she said. "I grew up here. I almost started crying when we changed the prices the other day. It's sad."
The Swoyers have not set a deadline to close the store, but they would like to sell as much merchandise as possible.
"I hate to see it close because a lot of people have depended on it, but it's time," Jim Swoyer said.
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