 We would like to congratulate Thoman’s IGA for being selected as the West Liberty Business Association’s April 2024 Business of the Month.
Thoman’s grocery store has always been a family owned business. Richard and Joe Thoman started the store in 1951 and became a part of the IGA Organization just one year later. Ten years following, they secured the lot where the store stands today. Richard and Joe’s children all worked in the store over the years which paved the way for Stan to step into a leadership role with his sister Marilyn, who still serves as the produce manager. Stan started back in 1975, and took over his father’s duties in 1999. After college in 2000, Stan’s son, Anthony, continued the next generation of family to work in the store, serving as assistant manager. The number of employees varies a lot. They try to keep at least 17-20. The work force is really a challenge right now they say. The ages of their employees range from high school students and college kids home for the summer, all the way up to the semi-retired. They say the most important aspects to maintaining good relationships with their suppliers as well as their customers is using the Golden Rule. Treat them how you want to be treated. They make sure that the store is a fun place to shop, have exclusive items, be convenient, add that personal touch and keep the store clean. They love seeing people who are customers now as well as older customers that have been coming in since they were younger. They feel like they get to see entire families grow. They love to see their customers, who at one time worked there while in high school, come back and shop with their families. They love to watch these relationships transcend over time. Thoman’s gives back to their community by sponsoring local sports teams and donating items to charity. They cannot do everything, but they always do whatever they can. They try and support non-profit groups, help supply concession stands for sporting events, as well as other local special events. Anthony says what is unique about their business is, “We’re a small town grocery store. We know customer’s by name, and offer a clean shopping environment. We pride ourselves on not being a 2 hour shopping trip. We are convenient and high-quality, always having what people need. It’s sometimes hard to beat supply issues with covid, so we make sure to have some kind of option out there for everyone. We do the extra leg work to make it happen for customers.” Again, congratulations to Thoman’s IGA! Written and submitted by: Brenda Snyder, WLBA Secretary |
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