One goal down, several to go.
The managers at State Street Gallery knew from the start they wanted to have their clothing and furniture store up and running by Friday — otherwise known as Black Friday, the unofficial start to the Christmas shopping season.
“It took quite a bit of work, but we were able to get it done,” said Matt Korte, who manages the family business with his sister, Kayla.
The Kortes took over the old Radio Shack store at 320 W. Garfield St. Nov. 1. Before that, it stood for years as Iola’s Western Auto store.
State Street Gallery specializes in new and used name-brand clothing, such as Aeropostale, Hollister and American Eagle, as well as high-quality brands of new and used furniture.
The Kortes opened the store Friday to large crowds of enthusiastic shoppers.
“We did very well that day,” Matt Korte said.
Half of their furniture sold that day. It was replaced just as quickly with new furniture items, so returning customers likely will see different displays already, he said.
State Street Gallery is the siblings’ inaugural foray into retail business.
Matt had been a student in Kansas City, studying aviation maintenance. Kayla, meanwhile, had worked as a personal care assistant.
She had been in town recently and was approached by their father, Mike Korte, about opening the business.
The Kortes also have on hand a limited supply of electronics equipment — leftovers from the now-defunct Radio Shack business.
“We’ll sell those until they’re gone,” Matt said.
The store’s interior features new walls and clothing displays on one side and a furniture gallery on the other.
The Kortes aren’t just in the selling mood. Customers are welcome to bring in their used name-brand clothing for potential deals.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The Kortes can be reached at 380-6420.
Store features name-brand clothing
