New owner for Plains store

Two Plains businesses are now merged under one owner and they continue to flourish as one.

The 406 Outlet closed its doors at the old Town Pump building site several weeks ago and is now taking up space at Colleen's Country Store on the other side of town. Jessica (Holland) Gergen purchased Colleen's Country Store from Colleen Mesing at the end of September and moved her inventory alongside the country store's merchandise. Both businesses will be represented under one roof and the Colleen's Country Store name will remain.

"I feel very blessed that Jess is taking the reins," said Mesing, who started Colleen's Country Store in 2003. "I'll miss a lot of our long-time customers and the continued patronage from the community," said Mesing. However, she and her husband, Bob, will continue their produce business on their three-acre farm on River Road West, something they've done for numerous years with sweet corn as their biggest seller.

Gergen opened her 406 Outlet four years ago, renting the building from the Town Pump corporation. "Colleen approached me about purchasing her business. It was a great opportunity to grow and expand in the community," said Gergen, who is looking forward to continuing her business, as well as furthering the success of Mesing's last 20 years.

"I want customers to know they will still be able to purchase the same products that Colleen's Country Store has carried for many years and also the 406 Outlet's products in one location," said Mesing, who said she would be available to help the new owner if needed.

Gergen said Colleen's Country Store will remain the same and they are still trying to figure out what the layout of the merchandise will be and where to add the 406 Outlet products now that the two stores have merged.

"I am so excited about the move and new business purchase. It's a great opportunity to continue to serve the community," said Gergen. "Growing up with a farming and ranching family this feels like the right fit for me. We hope to continue to meet the community's needs and provide exceptional service," said Gergen.

The store's hours are Tuesday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gergen said she hopes to be open on Mondays soon.