SMALL TOWN RETAILERS PROSPER DESPITE COMPETITION

CHAFFEE -- Bob Dacus wanted to open a business in a small town. He started looking for buildings within a 50-mile radius of the Sikeston area, and settled on Chaffee. Here he opened his store, Dacus Discount, in 1983.

"At that time we were just looking around at towns in this area," he said. "We wanted to be an asset to the town and felt like there was a need for the type of store we were anticipating opening."

Dacus Discount, which is open Mondays through Saturdays, tries to carry the essentials, its owner says. The store sells everything from automotive accessories to household goods, craft items and some garden supplies.

"We have the basics mostly, and try to keep them in stock on an everyday basis," Dacus said, adding that the store employs five people.

Dacus Discount is a relatively new store compared to Chandler Drug Store Inc. in Marble Hill. John Chandler is the fourth generation of Chandlers to work in the family-owned store. Chandler Drug Store has been operating since 1896.

"My great-grandfather bought the store, which already existed here," he said. "He practiced medicine here in addition to running the store."

The store is one of two pharmacies in town.

"I was raised here and like the quiet, laid-back atmosphere rather than the larger places," he said. "I know the biggest part of my customers and prefer it that way, rather than working all day and waiting on strangers. It's a good feeling that people trust you and are relying on you."

The store is open six days a week and carries gift items, cards and some food items.

Most small towns support at least one handyman's store like Eftink Hardware in Oran.

A hardware store has been operating in Oran for at least 30 years, although David Eftink has only owned the business for 10 years.

"The only thing that keeps us going is the local customers," Eftink said of the family-run business. "It'd be tough to make it without the businesses and farmers that buy from us. It's tough to make it anyway."

One advantage of running a business in a small town is that not as many employees are needed, Eftink said.

The store has a little bit of everything for customers, he said.

"The big stores make it tough, but we give them help and advice that you won't get at a lot of places," Eftink said.

Like hardware stores, florists are also commonly found in small towns. But just because the town is small doesn't mean business is bad, said Barbara Lynch, a co-owner of the Floral Connection in Scott City.

Lynch and partner Sandra Bollinger, who share about 50 years combined experience, opened the shop six years ago this April.

"It's small and everybody knows everybody," Lynch said.

"It takes about two weeks to get merchandise ready to go," Lynch said. "From September through July, it's real steady. The slow months are when school's out."

Kevin Lorenz, manager at Lorenz Shoe Store in Perryville, said being in a small town and carrying specific brands help business.

The store, which has been in business for about 48 years, specializes in brands like Rockport, Red Wing and Tony Lama boots, Naturalizer shoes for women and New Balance running shoes.

"We have an excellent business," Lorenz said. "You can't be a full, shoe store and carry every line."

It helps business to stay small and specialize, he said, adding that about half the store's customers come from Perry County.