Business Type General Merchandise Stores

NAICS Code 452

Location 112 West 2nd Street, Holden, MO 64040

Nearby Businesses drug store, flower store, fitness center, various shops

Owner/Manager Scotty Walker

Special Store Activities n/a

Year Opened 1990

Website n/a

Phone 816-732-4662

E-mail fiveanddime1990@yahoo.com

Community Profile Holden, Missouri (Population: 2,510, 10 mile radius population: 8,546), is a small community located just over 50 miles southwest of Kansas City. Holden has experienced consistent growth in recent years, yet still maintains the attraction of a small town atmosphere. The tree-lined downtown is a hub for activities, including the annual Holden Fall Fiesta, a festival in late September filled with entertainment, vendors and a variety of games and rides to attract visitors and residents to downtown.

Products Sold & Niche Developed

With modern amenities and an old time feel, Walker’s Variety is a full line variety store, modeled after the traditional five-and-dime stores, located in the heart of Holden, Missouri. Selling everything from electronics to fabric, houseware to pet supplies, small appliances to school and office supplies and even a huge toy department filled with all types of toys not found in the major department stores, Walker’s Variety is a one-stop shop where customers are often amazed at how many different products a small downtown store can offer. Moreover, customers can find an alternative shopping option at Walkers, where- above and beyond the wide selection of products- wood floors and friendly, familiar faces provide them a comfortable, pleasant shopping experience. Walker’s Variety is an independent operation an anchor and an asset to downtown Holden.

Market Segments Served

Walker’s Variety appeals to a wide variety of customers. There are products for all age groups. The owner, Scotty Walker, noted that the products often appeal to younger age groups and the reasonable prices are a draw for any range of income. He noted that families are often shopping at Walker’s Variety, especially since they are able to purchase a bit of something for everyone.

Contributions to the Business Community

Walker’s Variety is the largest store in downtown Holden, Missouri and a clear anchor to the downtown business community. The store is important to the history of the city, tracing its roots back to the early 1900s. The owner and Walker’s Variety employees proudly discuss this history with customers and visitors, sharing the store’s legacy. Beyond being a cornerstone to Holden’s city history, Walker’s Variety extends the legacy and exemplifies the role traditional five-and-dime stores have in a downtown community.