Business : Shopko opens in Vinton

1st customer: Cale Butts made the very first purchase at Shopko today, from clerk Lori Polesky.

Melody Ross-Neuman sorts children's clothing; she says Shopko offers her a local job opportunity.

Young Cale Butts made a bit of Vinton retail history this morning when shortly after 9 a.m. he became the first person to ever make a purchase at the new Shopko Hometown Vinton store. Clerk Lori Polesky rang up a candy sale, making Cale the first official Shopko customer.

The store opened today, a little more than a year after the closing of the Alco store. Area residents rejoiced when local business leaders announced the planned opening last November. Shopko has taken over former Alco buildings in several locations throughout the past year.

In addition to shoppers who were glad for another retail option in Vinton, many people are finding employment locally thanks to the store’s opening.

Melody Ross-Neuman was one of a handful of employees working on Sunday. While arranging a stack of children’s shirts, Ross-Neuman she is glad for a job opportunity in Vinton. Currently serving as the store’s apparel supervisor, Ross-Neuman said she had moved to Vinton from Cedar Rapids.

The company plans a grand opening for Friday, March 25, with a celebration that begins at 8:45 a.m.