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New Shopko Ready To Serve The Community
By Kristine Jacobson
Shopko opened in Holdrege in early 2013 and while still learning how to best serve the community, the store has already seen many successes.
 Store Manager Nathan Push said the first few months of business as Shopko Hometown in Holdrege have been as expected.
"As we learn more how to support our communities and be able to provide for its needs, we will continue to grow," he said.
The lawn and garden department this spring has helped increase sales. "For two weeks in a row, we were in the top ten stores in the company for plant sales," Nathan said.
Typically, around 500 customers pass through the registers at Shopko on any given day with Saturdays being the busiest days.
When it's not lawn and garden season, the electronics department is the biggest draw for customers.
Nathan said Shopko is a community-minded company that likes to give back. "Shopko's mission is to become Holdrege's 'hometown store'," Nathan said. "They continually look for ways to support the community not only by the merchandise that we carry but also by promoting and contributing to events throughout the community."
During Shopko's grand opening, it presented a check for $2,500 to Holdrege High School and most recently gave $250 to the Teammates program in Holdrege. For more information on Shopko grants, community members can visit Shopko.com and click on the Shopko Foundation link. Customers can also check out Shopko by visiting www.facebook.com/shopkofoundation.
Loyal Shopko customers can also benefit from the Shopko rewards program. "This program is a great way for our customers to gain discounts," Nathan said. "Throughout the year, Shopko sends coupons and promotions tailored specifically to our customers who have signed up for the Shopko Rewards program based on their shopping habits."
If customers use the Shopko pharmacy, they will receive a $10 coupon for main store purchases after every 10th prescription that is filled (that is not paid for by a federally-funded program.)
"Customers will also get coupons for the anniversary of their sign-up date, their birthdays and coupons attached to certain ads that will be mailed specifically to them," Nathan said. "It is really a great way for Shopko to give back to our repeat customers and a way to say thanks for being loyal."
Nathan said 2013 will be a year of learning for Shopko. "We are open and appreciative of any feedback from our customers. Without our customers' support, we would not be here, and my personal goal as the store manager is to support this community as best as I can. Anyone can visit us at Shopko.com to give us their feedback or call me and talk to me personally (995-6514)."
Shopko is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Currently, Shopko in Holdrege employs 29 teammates between the main store and pharmacy. "We always encourage people to apply and are continually reviewing applications," Nathan said. Application can be found at Shopko.com by clicking on the careers link.
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