New Shopko owners in Rapids, coffee favorites, balloon décor in Point
Happy Tuesday and welcome to the Streetwise Newsletter!
Most recently, I covered the announcement that the Sears Hometown Store will close in July in Wisconsin Rapids. The independently owned and operated store began liquidation sales last week that will run through July 14.
The Shopko building in Wisconsin Rapids has a new owner. I talked with Tom Richards, a partner with the investment company that purchased the building and three outlot parcels on the edge of the parking lot in April.
I also gave readers an update on the two most common questions I've been asked. When will Qdoba open? And what's happening at the construction site near Domino's Pizza?
Graduation season gives plenty of reasons to celebrate, and one new business in Stevens Point is bringing a special touch to the decorations. I talked with Diana Vang and her husband, Nyia Lor, who opened Lor Décor and Balloons in Stevens Point. The family sets up balloon arches, large numbers and letters with balloons or lights inside and photo backdrops at a variety of events like weddings, bridal and baby showers and graduation parties.
A few weeks ago, I asked readers in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids what their favorite coffee orders were and where they find them. I also asked them if they generally prefer local shops or bigger chains. Dozens of people responded to each survey, and many people liked supporting local for the more personal touch and the support a local business has for the community. I also sorted through all sorts of coffee drinks to come up with guides for the most popular drinks in both Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids. If you're looking to switch up your coffee order, you can find some good options here.
I also covered last week's announcement of a new partnership between Kwik Trip and Festival Foods. The Festival Foods Gas Rewards Program gives Festival Foods shoppers 1 cent off Kwik Trip fuel with every $10 spent at the grocery store. So, a $100 grocery trip at Festival Foods equals 10 cents off per gallon at Kwik Trip. You'll need a Festival Foods Gas Rewards card for the discounted price at the pump. You can find one at any Festival store in Wisconsin and register the card to start.
If you have any questions or tips for future stories, send them my way at cshuda@gannett.com. If you’re interested in my colleagues’ or my coverage, please consider subscribing to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune or the Stevens Point Journal.
Who is Streetwise?
I’m Caitlin Shuda, the Streetwise reporter for the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune and the Stevens Point Journal. If you’re interested in openings, closings, relocations, expansions and major developments, Streetwise has it covered.
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This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: New Shopko owners in Rapids, coffee favorites, balloon décor in Point
