Local Business Still Open Following Fire
Bob Lemmon, owner of Bob’s Variety store in downtown Kittanning, takes a break from his work to watch cleanup activities from the fire that gutted a second-floor apartment in his same building.
by David Croyle
A local business owner continues to keep his doors open after having smoke damage from last week’s fire.
Bob Lemmon owns Bob’s Variety on North Jefferson Street. Last week, a Sunday morning fire destroyed apartments above the law offices of Blair Green that adjoin Bob’s storefront.
But he was lucky! He said the impact on his store was minimal.
“Nothing really other than some smoke damage. I had some smoke scrubbers in there since last Wednesday. They took them out last night. It seems to be taking care of most of the smoke. There was a little bit of damage on the ceiling tile where the water came down, but very little.”
Now Bob has to deal with limited parking and big dumpsters in front of his store as the cleanup around him continues. This has made it difficult for customers to visit his store.
“It’s a little negative for people. They think that we’re not operating. But there have been people coming in, so it’s not too bad.”
Bob said his store is still packed from the front to the back with items for sale.
“Small appliances, movies, and video games. Some furniture. Some of the older collectibles. You have to get the right person to buy them. Beer steins, Barbie dolls, sports cards – you name it!”
Bob’s Variety didn’t have a business plan when it began 14 years ago – it just started!
“My father passed away and we were moving from a bigger house to a small place and I needed a place to get rid of some things. I was going to rent it for a couple of months and I have been there 14 years. My wife made the mistake one day and said ‘What if we run out of things to sell?’ so I went out buying everything I could buy.”
Bob said there is no magic in selecting items for sale.
“The trends keep changing. What was good a couple of years ago doesn’t seem to be anymore. You gotta see what people are interested in.”
Bob said he is grateful he is still able to keep the doors open since the fire.
“Just trying to get it narrowed down to get rid of some stuff. When things like this happen, you realize what could have been.”
Local News | David Croyle August 17, 2011
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