ABOUT
"YOUR STORE"
"Your Store" was opened in December of 1979 by Jack Highsmith as one of a chain of stores under a regional franchise owned by him. This store gained popularity in the area as the only store where the employees would open the doors for customers as they entered and left the premises. We were known as the store that strived to give our customers something over and above just the merchandise they purchase . Even though times have changed, our objectives haven't. We may not be able to open the front doors for the customers anymore, but we try to open doors in other ways. We participate in many of the sporting sign-ups for Reams Elementary School. Baseball, softball, cheer leading tryouts. We are ready when they are. We are working on continuing education programs with one of the school teachers where the students can win free prizes for extraordinary work such as slush drinks, soft serve ice cream, and even free gasoline for their parents. We have hosted a number of Girls Scout sign-ups as well as helped in their cookie and calendar sales promotions. Although we try to keep as modern as possible, we still enjoy the "old country store" feeling where members of the community stop by and talk to each other as well as to us about their families and friends. It gives us a great feeling, knowing that the community cares as much for us as we do for them.
At the time the store opened for business it carried a substantial variety of food products delivered by Richfood and many other local distributors. In 1985, Highsmith sold his regional franchise back to the national licensor, and changed the name to "Your Store". In 1989, we added the convenience of Citgo gasoline and Kerosene sales at a competitive price. We started accepting credit cards for gasoline and all other purchases.
Shortly after obtaining gasoline sales, Jack was able to purchase the land the store is on, thus making him the store owner as well as the landlord. This gave us the security of a long term commitment to the community. On February 4, 1994 Joe Condrey joined the management team with Jack Highsmith, President, and Randy Brooks, Vice President, and became a valuable member of the team. Since that time, we have strived to give the best possible services to our loyal customers and friends.
During the spring of 1994, the management team of Highsmith, Brooks, and Condrey started a major renovation project consisting of the addition of a food service department and a "pay at the pumps" credit card system designed for the customers convenience. With the addition of our soft serve ice cream and El-Nino drinks, we installed an eight product fountain drink system which makes it's own fresh ice. This gives our customers the choice of Pepsi or Coke products. At the same time, we upgraded our computer systems to enable us to better serve the customer by reducing the time to process money orders and checks. The additional check verification system in the computer has helped save hundreds of dollars in returned checks to the company, while the service of money order sales with a five hundred dollar limit per money order has helped save many customers from paying higher money order fees. Stores that sell money orders with only a three hundred dollar limit force their customers to buy two money orders, while we can usually satisfy the request with only one money order.
On December 21, 1998, the ownership of "Your Store" as well as the land it resides on, was purchased from Jack by Randy and Joe. Since that time, Randy and Joe have continuously strived to improve the performance and services of the companies.
In the past few years we have added a number of exciting services for the community. We have a food service department, managed by Patty, that serves hot tasty breakfast sandwiches and biscuits which are complimented with our fresh ground coffees and cappuccinos all day long. We serve freshly cooked lunch sandwiches such as hamburgers, hot dogs, bologna burgers, chicken sandwiches, as well as specialties such as fresh fish or meat loaf sandwiches. Our wing zings and hot and spicy wings are second to none, as well as our potato wedges, onion rings and other quick pick up items. During the winter months we sell hot dinners with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, as well as desserts such as apple or peach cobblers. How about some soft serve ice cream or frozen El-Nino? Planing a small get-together or a big party? We can help you with the food. Just give us a call and we can work something out. Joe has catered many large events and would love to help with yours.
Do you need a bag of ice? Most stores sell seven and fourteen pound bags of ice that come pre-packaged. Not at Your Store"! Although we also have two size bags of ice, we sell eight and sixteen pound bags that are produced here at our store so we can insure that our customers are getting what they want.
We offer other services such as propane tank exchange. No more waiting at the gas station to find some one to refill you propane tank. Just bring your old empty tank to us and we will exchange it for a full one from our stock. No waiting!
When was the last time you needed to have a document notarized? We have a Notary Public on duty from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM every day of the week. (Except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day where we are on duty only until 7:00 PM)
Do you need to mail a letter or a package? We sell books of stamps". This even accept your includes COD packages. Why wait around the house all day when the package can be sent to "Your Store"! Just find out how much the COD amount is and add a one dollar handling fee and we will accept the package and contact you when it arrives! In a hurry? We can also send or receive a fax for you. We can even let you make copies of you documents. Why put a coin in a copier and get a blank sheet? We only charge for the good copies.
Are you low on cash? Our cash register accepts most debit cards that will allow you to get cash back from your bank account. Most ATM machines charge two dollars for this feature, not to mention the fee your bank charges. If you just use the card to make a purchase without getting cash back there is no fee charged. If you want up to forty dollars back, the fee is only one dollar! Must faster and cheaper than the bank, especially at 9:30 at night or on a Sunday morning when you want to go out of town and are in a hurry.
What if you don't have a bank card, just your checks? NO PROBLEM!, with just your local address and Virginia Driver's License, not only can you write a check, you can even write it for twenty five dollars over the amount of purchase. Still not enough? Ask about our " VIP Check Cashing Club". Once a member, you can cash personal checks or two party checks up to one hundred dollars. Even computer generated payroll checks up to five hundred dollars. (Certain restrictions and fees apply. See the manager on duty for details).
Do you feel lucky? We offer ALL VIRGINIA LOTTERY ONLINE GAMES as well as up to sixteen different INSTANT LOTTERY GAMES.
Do you need a baby sitter, or are you having a yard sale? Check out our community bulletin board, you can find it on our front index called "Business Cards. It is there for you to help sell or buy from your neighbors.
Did you know that the notices we place on the lighted street sign announcing birthdays and anniversaries are free? Many people enjoy having their wife's, husband's, or child's birthdays, anniversaries, or accomplishments announce to the community. Just let us know ahead of time and we will see what we can do!
Our hours of operation are
6:00 AM until 10:00 PM
Today, more than ever, we are "Your Store". And we thank you for making us what we are today.
Randy and Joe
This page was last updated
on January 23, 2007
by Randy Brooks