News : Shopko in Vinton: Company hiring manager, assistant manager for new store

The four-part ALCO sign came down Dec. 1, as work on what will be the new Shopko is under way.

The Iowa Workforce Development web site has been one of many online job sites offering both local employment opportunities for Vinton-area residents and good news for those who lobbied for a Shopko store to open in Vinton after the closing of Alco.

Shopko advertised for store manager and assistant manager positions with a start date as early as Dec. 15.

A press release from the company earlier this year announced that it had taken over 20 former Alco store sites in nine states, from Texas to Utah, and planned to expand more throughout 2015 and 2016.

“We’re eager to bring Shopko Hometown to more communities,” said Peter McMahon, who becam Shopko CEO in 2013. “We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers in our current hometown communities who tell us they appreciate the improved shopping experience and access to a broader, differentiated selection of merchandise, including products and brands previously not available in their community.”

Several local residents lobbied for a Shopko to replace Alco, which announced its closing a year ago. Some even contacted the company.

When Alco announced its closing, members of the Vinton Unlimited Business Opportunity Group began talks with a variety of stores, including Shopko said BOG member Dave Wessling.

"Shopko currently has access to the ALCO building," Wessling says, adding that an opening is not likely until mid-spring.

There is no official word from the company about the store opening, but the Wisconsin-based chain has announced plans to expand by as many as 200 stores in the Midwest.

The company's new theme is "Stuff that counts."

"Just the essentials you need from the brands you trust at a fair price," says one of its recent online video ads.

A recent press release from the company offered this insight into its corporate plans:

The Shopko Hometown retail format, developed over the past five years to focus on serving the needs of smaller rural communities, provides a broad and dynamic offering of national brands and private label brands at a great value. Product offerings include clothing, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items and lawn and garden products – all in an attractive, well laid out, easy-to-shop store format that ranges from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.

Shopko Hometown’s excellent customer service, as well as a continued commitment to support local communities, ensures that Shopko Hometown will be well received by these communities. Once the addition of these 15 stores is complete, the company plans to continue to accelerate the addition of new Shopko Hometown stores in the second half of 2015 and into 2016.

Click HERE to see the list of job openings in Iowa Shopko locations.