After nearly seven decades in business, Chris Supply Company in Rapid City, South Dakota, is preparing to close its doors for good. The hardware store turned electronics retailer has been a staple in the community since it was first opened by Christy Christopherson in 1954. Over the years, the store has seen changes in ownership, product offerings, and customer base, but one thing has remained constant – its commitment to serving the needs of its customers.
In 1967, Charles Brown and Harvey Hensley took over the store and shifted its focus to selling audio, television, and appliance parts. As the demand for their services grew, they expanded to Gillette, Wyoming, where they continued to serve customers in the region. In 1984, the store was passed down to their sons, Rick Brown and Don Harvey, who further diversified the product offerings to include computers and electronics.
In 2008, Rick Brown became the sole owner of Chris Supply Company after Don Harvey retired. Under his leadership, the store continued to thrive, serving a wide range of customers from individuals looking to fix a simple household item to large organizations like Crazy Horse and local hospitals. Brown’s dedication to providing quality products and excellent customer service has earned the store a loyal following over the years.
However, with the decline of the coal industry in Wyoming, Brown made the difficult decision to close the Gillette location in 2017. Despite this setback, he continued to serve Wyoming customers through direct shipping and occasional deliveries. Now, after more than four decades of working at the store, Brown has decided that it is time to retire.
Reflecting on his time at Chris Supply Company, Brown became emotional as he shared memories of starting at the store in high school in 1972. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful customers over the years and thanked the hundreds of thousands of people who have supported the store.
Although Brown had hoped to sell the store to a new owner, he was unable to find a suitable candidate. As a result, he has made the difficult decision to close the doors of Chris Supply Company for good. The store will officially close on August 30, with an auction scheduled for September to clear out the building.
As Brown looks towards the future, he is unsure of what will become of the location. However, he offers a piece of advice to whoever takes over the space – „just treat people how you want to be treated.“ This simple yet powerful message encapsulates the ethos of Chris Supply Company and serves as a reminder of the importance of building strong relationships with customers.
In closing, the legacy of Chris Supply Company will live on through the memories of the customers it has served and the impact it has had on the community. As the store prepares to say goodbye, it leaves behind a legacy of quality service, dedication, and a commitment to treating customers with respect and kindness.