News
Shopko holds its Grand Opening
Scott Wagar
10/23/2012
Shopko store held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday in front of a large crowd of customers who were given the opportunity to sign up for prizes, have refreshments and shop in the store.
GRAND OPENING
Karen Ganske, store manager for Bottineau’s Shopko, gave the welcome Thursday morning during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and gave the salutation for the franchise.
“Shopko has been part of Midwest community for about 50 years,” Ganske said. “And, they are really happy to be able to come into our community and offer a great selection of merchandise for you, the customers.”
After Ganske’s welcome to the customers, Ben Aufforth, the mayor of Bottineau, spoke for the local community.
“As mayor of Bottineau, and on behalf of the city of Bottineau, I would like to welcome Shopko to the business community,” Aufforth said. “It’s great to see a new business open its doors here in town. It shows growth and tells me we are on the right path. Thank you for allowing me to be here and welcome to Bottineau.”
Clint Reinoehl, director of Bottineau’s Chamber of Commerce spoke next and told Ganske and the Shopko employees how much Bottineau was looking forward in having them in the business community.
“We have very much appreciated partnering with Pamida, and now partnering with Shopko,” Reinoehl said. “We are also looking forward to Shopko being an active member of our community and your services here are very much appreciated. Welcome to Bottineau on behalf of the Bottineau Chamber of Commerce.”
Giving the final welcome was Pat Artz, president of the State Bank of Bottineau.
“It is great to have a thriving business in a thriving community. Welcome,” Artz said.
RIBBON CUTTING
After the local dignitaries’ words, long time employee of the former Pamida, and now of the Shopko, Isaiah Klingbeil conducted the ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming all of the customers into the store.
PRIZES
During the Grand Opening, which was celebrated for three days (Thursday through Saturday) allowed shoppers the opportunity to sign up for prizes, some of which included a Coby 32-inch digital television, Canon A1300 digital camera, Bissell Proheat 2x vacuum cleaner, Paula Dean 15-piece cookware set, Keurig special edition coffeemaker, and .5 ctw diamond studded earrings.
The first 100 customers each received a $10 gift card, while individuals who shopped with their “my extra savings” card from Oct. 18 through Nov. 1, 2012, are automatically being signed up to win a $1,000 shopping fee.
SHOPKO HISTORY
Shopko is a privately owned discount store, which has locations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
“Shopko has been dedicated to providing customers with quality merchandise and services at prices that communicate value since 1962,” stated Shopko’s webpage. “Shopko stores focus on customer lifestyles and meeting our customers’ changing needs for casual apparel, home, family and healthcare products.”
Shopko is headquartered in Green Bay, Wis. The first Shopko store opened in 1962 under James Ruben in Green Bay, Wis.
From 1991 to 2005, the chain store was held publicly, with stock being traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol of SKO. In December of 2005, the company was purchased by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners and went into private ownership.
PAMIDA
In 1999, Shopko acquired Pamida. Shopko first operated Pamida as a separate division within its company, but in 2007 the two stores were separated and Pamida re-established as an independent company.
However, in 2012, Shopko and Pamida were merged into one company. With Shopko and Pamida merging, it has been established into one of the largest U.S. retailers, which when combined will produce a three billion dollar company with close to 350 stores in 22 states that will serve small town rural communities.
TODAY
With Shopko now open in Bottineau, individuals in the local area will now have the opportunity to shop for quality merchandise, all at an affordable price.