Small Business Season - Multigenerational Businesses in Huron
Duane's Carpet Outlet

Without the local support from Huron and the surrounding areas we would not have been able to stay in business for the last 58 years.    We have great employees and subcontractors that we have worked with and supplied work for.  Without local support we could not do any of that.

How do you see your business contributing to the local economy and community?

Our business contributes every day to our local economy and community.  We purchase from the local hardware store, grocery store, convenience store, local print store and so many other small businesses in town.  We also contribute to the sales tax dollars, pay property taxes, and make many donations from United Way, School programs, Sporting events, Concerts, Proms, Benefits for the sick, School Auctions and so much more.

I try to support our local businesses because I want Huron to succeed.  The more we support Local the more those businesses will stay in business.  I also realize the amount of hard work, time, money, risk and stress the small business owner undertakes.                            

What unique advantages do local businesses offer compared to larger chains?

As a local business we strive to give the best customer service.  When you entrust us with your project, we want to provide you with the best guidance and help that we can.  We want your project to turn out just as you have envisioned it.   We help with interior design, home décor and installations.  We offer help in picking out as much or as little as is needed.  Whether it be floor covering, paint choices, lighting questions, wood color choices, home décor, window coverings…..We want to help create the vision that you have for whatever project you have come in for.

The challenges of being a second-generation owner are that you have to be able to change with the times.  What worked 30 years ago does not work today.  With the help of our community, we have learned the wants and needs of the people that come in our store and strive to be able to fulfill the need.

What unique advantages do local businesses offer compared to larger chains?

The community of Huron is outstanding.  We as a community really take care of our own!  When my grandchildren were born and needed support the number of prayers, calls, texts, donations etc. was absolutely humbling.  I would never want to be just a number or just someone that no one knows. 

My vision for the future of Duane’s Carpet Outlet is to continue to supply on hand and special-order floorcovering, window coverings and home décor.  With the help of great employees, sub-contractors, family, friends and future friends(customers) that we have not met yet.   We plan to be here for many years to come.

What message would you like to share with the community about supporting local businesses?

With the support of this great community we, and any other small business, will be able to continue giving you the best prices we can and the best customer service.  Thank you to everyone that supports us.

Hurst's Corner

We are pleased to continue our family’s business in the community because our family has always maintained a solid, loyal, hard working demeanor that shows through our 121 years of continued business.  The Huron library recently named us the oldest business in Huron in the new book.  Hope and I are happy to add our names to a long list of not only successful business owners, but family members.  Our great, great grandfather (Warren Hurst) started the business, which was passed to our great grandparents, on to our grandpa, then to our father, and now to us

With having such a long heritage, we have generations of families that come in to share stories of parents and grandparents and great grandparents sharing good times at our business.  Many customers remember their first time coming in the bar as child being just tall enough to see over the counter.  Now they are grown with their own families and can continue to create their own families.

We have always been big on giving back whether that is fundraisers and benefits sent to us in the mail or one of the many events we have put on to support non-profits.  We have proudly raised funds Folds of Honor, the Humane Society, the James Valley Shriners, Sammy’s Lemonade, DAV, ZERO; the end of prostate cancer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, United Way, and more.

Local businesses are the personality of a community.  They are the people who support the community because it is their very own community in which they live.  Corporations have lost the human quality.  Local businesses know their customers by name, probably their family members, and have contributed to activities or groups that customer is a part of or has family involved in.

Again, the human factor.  Do you need a stamp to mail your bill? Do you need to throw a birthday party for your wife?  Do you need to cash you check when the bank is closed?  We do all of these things for our customers, our friends, our community.

Hope and I are fifth generation owners.  Changing how things are done by trying something new or implementing technology has been a challenge.  Constant upkeep of an old building can be challenging.

One busy weekend evening, I (Amy) was bartending.  An out of town gentlemen came in with a chip on his shoulder; ready to fight anyone and everyone.  When I addressed the customer about his behavior he had a few choice words me that I did not appreciate.  I loudly informed the bar that this guy has gotta go.  The entire bar escorted him outside.  I believe the gentlemen thought he would have a fight waiting for him outside, but when he realized the whole bar was up against him, he decided it was best to leave.  This was actually such a heart-warming experience to know that our customers respect and appreciate us.  They were not willing to tolerate someone interested in creating a bad environment at our establishment.

In May about 3 years ago, we had an awful storm in which a part of our wall fell on the north side of the building.  We were quite overwhelmed with what to do.  Within a matter of minutes after the storm cleared, our local insurance agent was there, Levi Rogers and friends were there with equipment for cleanup, Kent Hampton showed up to board up a broken window, and many others stopped to help clean up bricks, remove rubble, sweep away debris, and direct traffic.  Half of the people I didn’t even know by name!  We were able to maintain business on the inside throughout the mess.  We were overwhelmed with support and help.

We have really struggled through road construction making access to our location somewhat difficult.  We are excited for the new, beautiful changes when everything is done.  We hope that Huron will share in the enthusiasm for the downtown Huron reconstruction and frequent not only us, but other local businesses as well.  I hope the community comes to enjoy our customer service and the hard work we put in to running a successful, clean, fun loving business.

As a consumer, you have every right to spend your dollar wherever you choose.  We ask you to choose local.   We ask you to choose the small business owner rather than the box store.  The money you spend with local business pays local taxes, donates to local groups, pays local people wages, and therefore continues to build our community.  Have you ever tired to get a donation for a family member or friend’s benefit from a corporation?   It is surprisingly difficult.  But you can always count on a small business.  I hope small business can count on you as well.

Manolis Grocery

"What does it mean to you to continue your family's business in our community?"

Manolis Grocery has been owned and operated by family since our great grandfather/grandfather established in 1925 at its current location.  Since that time, Gus Manolis, Christ Marcus, Dean Manolis, Gus Marcus, Todd Manolis and John Marcus have represented the 4 generation to own the store.  It has always been very important to us to continue to serve our community and to support other local businesses.

“How doe you see your business contributing to the local economy and community?”

Local businesses are the backbone of all communities.  We are the ones who are always there to support local causes, whether it is the sports teams, benefit auctions, local charities, or seasonal promotions.  We are proud to be a part of Huron which has always been known as a caring community. 

"How do you envision the future of your business with continued local support?"

 We trust local support will keep Manolis Grocery thriving for many generations to come.

Potter's Shoes

What does it mean to you to continue your family’s business….

I guess I could say that 83 years of ‘saving soles’ is no small ‘feat’. In 1941 Potter’s began. My grandpa, J. Keith Potter had one rented space along a row of stores on 3^rd St. (across the street from Manolis Groc). In the mid 1950’s Huron’s original City Hall building (est. 1900) came up for sale, and my grandparents won the bid.In the mid 1960’s my parents Tom and Pat (Potter) Landstrom took the reins. In the mid 1990’s my husband Bush and I chose Huron as our new home and I came on board with my mother.  Bush joined in 2018. Every day I think of my parents and grandparents. Their spirit is in the atmosphere. The persistence, dedication and moxy it took to navigate independent business ownership went on for 53 years before I arrived. I’m still just a newbie. To continue a small business is always a challenge. 83 years of it takes grit. You can’t just give 2 weeks notice when things aren’t very good.  Always though, the positives make up for the b.s. All that the work involves gets into the blood stream for good. In the footwear industry, it’s called becoming a ‘Shoe Dog”.  For me that phrase boils down to mean my love of our customer.

Why is supporting local business important to you personally?

It was in the water we drank as kids growing up here.  My parents always walked their local talk.  It was a natural and well understood family practice and value. These are the ideals that the Chamber and its leadership work to promotes and proclaim. This support is greatly appreciated because we get to see the results….. and that is FUN!

What message would you like to share with the community about supporting local businesses?

When people know people who are loving local and they talk it up, it spreads good will all over the place and creates a great vibe.  Local business owners love and thrive on that mindset. It is still a rush whenever anyone walks through our front door (plus our back door these days). We are blessed with a number of local loyal customers and it is our privilege to try to earn the repeat business.  The connections made are absolutely wonderful and it all plays into the forming of bonds that strengthen the social fabric.

Local Shopping at Its Best - Huron Shopping

Grab your besties and shop until you drop next time you’re in Huron! Our town may be considered small to some, but our thriving business community has created a shopping experience that is bar none in the region. Whether you are shopping to dress yourself or your home – Huron offers a variety of options.

Support local in Huron!

There’s no greater feeling than shopping and supporting the local businesses who continue to help grow our community. Your investment in shopping local is an investment in the collective well-being of all!

Dress For Success

There’s no need to travel to the “big city” when you’ve got a handful of boutiques, thrift stores and more at your fingertips. No matter your personal style, Huron is home to a unique variety of clothing retailers offering the latest and greatest clothing styles at hometown prices!

Style Your Home

Whether you’re shopping for mattresses, furniture, decor or anything in between, you’ll be thankful to know that Huron has a plethora of home furnishing stores. Shop at major retailers like Walmart or Slumberland, or enjoy the selection of hometown retailers who provide superior customer service, products, and prices.

Visit Our Business Directory for a Complete Listing of Shopping Retailers in Huron, SD