The Prices Rite in Carman is under new ownership. Long-time owner Nancy Cooke recently sold the business to Doug and Madison Vangrootheest, who will now operate it.
Cooke’s career and life have taken her across the country on a long road to retirement.
“After moving back to Manitoba with my husband and two children in 1992 and not finding any job opportunities,” said Cooke, “I found out about an EI program to help people start up a new business, and it was a great opportunity as they guided you through each of the phases required.”
Cooke jumped at the chance, and within six months, she opened and operated her first Dollar Store in the Southland Mall in Winkler.
Business was booming, and shortly after opening her store, she was approached by some local businessmen from Carman about either helping someone open a location in Carman or operating it herself.
Cooke chose the latter, and in early 1994, she opened The Prices Rite in Carman. She operated it for two more years and then sold both locations.
At this time, Nancy and her husband Brad moved to Calgary, and two years later, they were out at Gray Creek on Kootenay Lake, where she went to school in Nelson, British Columbia, and took Resort and Hotel Management classes. After graduating in 2007, they returned to Manitoba for family reasons.
“I ended up being hired to manage the Bargain Shop that was opening in Carman in early 2008. I worked there for a year and a half until I decided that I wanted to open my own business again.”
They bought the old Brad’s Jewelry Store building on 1st St SW, renovated it, transformed it into “The Prices Rite,” and opened its doors on March 17, 2010.
“We have established a great store that was badly needed in town,” said Cooke. “Getting to know all the people in town and being able to see the kids that were coming into the store in their strollers and now seeing them graduate high school has been a great experience.”
“It has been a great little business, and the thing I will miss the most is the social aspect of it and seeing all those familiar faces coming through the door every day. It has been a great experience, and I thank everyone who has supported my business over the last fourteen years. I couldn’t have done it without you. Now, I will look forward to enjoying my retirement.”
Madison Vangrootheest had previously worked at The Prices Rite for Cooke for a year and a half. When Cooke decided that she was going to sell the store, Vangrootheest expressed interest that they wanted to buy it.
Well, Madison and her husband Doug did end up buying the business, and the Vangrootheests recently took possession of The Prices Rite on July 1.
“We feel extremely blessed to have been able to join the business community here in Carman, and we plan to continue running the store as Nancy has and are hoping the community will support us as well as it has her,” said Doug Vangrootheest. “We hope to continue serving the community’s needs and to eventually add a selection of Dutch treats and items to accommodate Carman’s ever-growing Dutch community. We are also open to hearing suggestions for new items or ways we can serve the community better.”
Cooke is a little sad to be departing but will look forward to retirement, as she knows that her business will be in good hands.
“I am so happy and excited for the Vangrootheests as I know they will do a great job,” said Cooke. “I am so happy that my store will continue to serve this great community. I have put my heart and soul into my business for over 14 years, and I really appreciate all the support that I have received from everyone. It’s been a lot of fun, and the thing I’ll miss the most is seeing all the friendly faces every day.”
