New Orscheln's More Visible

A new expanded Orscheln’s store opened November 2 in west Holdrege, and customers couldn’t be happier.

“I love it,” said Dennis Nelson of Holdrege, who shops at the store nearly every day. “It’s big. The selection is better, and the aisles are wider.”

Store Manager Mike Liljehorn said foot traffic and sales have both increased since the store moved to its new 33,000-square-foot location on Highway 6 & 34. The store was previously located a block south of the highway in an 8,000-square-foot building.

“Just being more visible has helped us a lot, not being tucked back in behind,” Liljehorn said.

He has noticed more customers from the McCook and Cambridge areas in the new store.

Orscheln’s sells lawn and garden supplies, pet and livestock products, automotive and sporting goods, clothing, boots, outerwear, toys, tools, farm supplies and some food products. The new expanded space has allowed for larger hunting, hardware, pet food and clothing selections.

“What we’ve noticed is a lot of people struggle to find some kids clothes in town, and we’ve got some, so that helps out,” Liljehorn said.

The new Orscheln’s store employs 22 people, which Liljehorn said is three more than at the previous location.

The Holdrege location is one of 20 Orscheln’s stores in Nebraska, and Liljehorn estimated it is about the fourth largest in the state. The Moberly, Missouri, based store was recruited to Holdrege by PCDC in 2003 and was one of the first businesses to benefit from PCDC’s revolving loan fund.

A grand opening celebration for the new store is planned for April or May.