Pella’s New ‘Five & Dime’ Dreamer

If you haven’t stopped in to meet Annette Lumsden yet, let’s just say you’re missing out! She is pure joy, all about nostalgia, a champion for small business, good vibes, and yes, you are absolutely going to love her! She’s all heart, all hustle, and all in on Pella.

 

So, what launched Annette’s jump back into store ownership?

 

“Well, I turned 60 this year and felt the urge to push myself one more time. Pella Hometown Variety came up for sale and I thought, ‘Why not just buy a store?’ And here I am!”, said Annette. It’s a bold move, one that clearly suits her, and we love it!

 

One word best describes Annette’s vision, FUN. Ok, maybe add in a few more words like cheerful, curated, whimsical, inviting, and nostalgic…but her goal is simple nonetheless: establish Pella Hometown Variety as the community’s very own “Five and Dime” store. Think a Ben Franklin store filled with value-priced treasures that ignite memories and delight around every corner.

“One of the best things about being an owner is watching people come in, wander the aisles, and explore everything. They’ll come up to me and say, ‘This was so much fun!’, and that is the exact experience I want people to have when they are in the store”, exclaimed Annette.

 

Annette’s leading department so far is greeting cards, which she has already expanded FIVE TIMES! Beyond cards, Annette says it’s difficult to pinpoint a single best seller. “I fill many needs and touch on a lot of categories. I’m reviewing what sells and building up those strong areas”, said Annette. Translation: There’s something for everyone, and she’s always leveling up. And, let’s not forget the Dutch souvenir section, which remains a year-round fixture. “I will always have a section of Dutch treasures, all year long. Having worked in Pella, I understand the importance of having trinkets for customers and visitors to purchase. I am excited to evolve this section as I find new and unique items”, said Annette.

 

Retro tunes, classic toys, and a touch of humor? You will find it all inside Pella Hometown Variety! Step inside and you’ll be greeted with 1950’s music, throwback toys and Neato! items like Rock’em Sock’em Robots and Kerplunk, and even a little “snarky” sprinkled throughout that brings the perfect dose of playful humor. “I push the envelope, just a little”, says Annette, “It keeps things fun and people laughing”.

 

Annette’s vibe is inspired by one of her favorite stores, Dick’s Five and Dime in Branson Missouri. She’s steadily channeling that same energy and building her very own nostalgic brand. “In the days of Amazon and getting items the next day, I figured why not offer unique specialty items today, not tomorrow…AND make them affordable and fun?! I am very selective about what I bring into the store. It’s really important to me that I don’t overcharge people. I want items affordable and accessible, so I am taking my time to curate the right products”, said Annette.

 

For long-time customers, good news: framing services have not gone anywhere. Dianna, the previous owner, still comes in three days a week to continue offering custom framing as she transitions into retirement.

 

So, what is Annette’s long term aspiration for the store? “My dream is to make Pella Hometown Variety a destination store. When people think of Pella I want them to think beyond bakeries and meat markets. I want them to also think Pella Hometown Variety”, Annette excitedly shared. Her enthusiasm, playful creativity, and unique flair make that dream not just possible, but inevitable.

 

When asked what her favorite part of owning the store is, Annette replied “I LOVE talking to customers, to people in general. First impressions, having real conversations, and building relationships with a variety of people is important. One day it may be a ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ in passing and the next day they are coming to me to see if I have what they need. It’s essential to being a small business owner”, said Annette.

We’re thrilled to welcome Pella Hometown Variety as one of downtown’s newest entrepreneurs. If you need a dose of nostalgia, a warm conversation, and a store filled with surprises, make time to pop into the store and meet Annette! She’s the heart behind Pella’s newest old-fashioned treasure.