Schomackers connect to Sewing Basket for crossover business

The Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a $25,000 gap loan for Schomacker Properties to help with a $153,000 construction project between their two stores on Main Street.
Randy, Sharon, Anthony and Joe Schomacker own and operate Schomacker's Home Galleries located at 202 E. Main Street.
They started with a cleaning business, then added flooring and appliance and then mattresses. 
They recently purchased The Sewing Basket located next door at 204 E. Main Street from Barb Bork.
EDA Director Holly Sammons in her report Monday explained the rationale behind that decision.
“They saw the traffic that the Sewing Basket brought to Main Street from around the area and understood what impact that store closing would have on our community,” she said.
“They saw an opportunity to expand their business by integrating the two stores.”
Schomackers bought the business, the building and the equipment, keeping the same staff and hiring a new manager to replace Bork.
Their business expansion project includes removing a section of the wall between the two retail stores and creating a large doorway between the Sewing Basket and Schomacker Home Galleries.
“This will allow both customers and sales staff to go back and forth and will create efficiencies in running both businesses,” Sammons said.
Additionally, the project includes installing a lift in the back of the store for deliveries and storing appliances and inventory in the basement space for warehouse and storage.
Schomacker’s Home Galleries and the Sewing Basket have two full-time and eight part-time jobs.
The scope of the business expansion project includes:
•create structurally sound access between both retail stores.
•cut hole in floor, create and install lift for moving appliances and inventory to the basement.
The EDA unanimously approved the $25,000 Gap Loan Monday.
Terms of the loan will be 2-percent interest for a 10 year-term with monthly installments.
The loan will be secured with a mortgage. The project is being financed in partnership with a bank loan and owners' equity.
The Schomacker gap loan was one of three $25,000 loans the LEDA approved Monday.
ATLAS received a loan to help with its expansion into the former Kawasaki building, and Big Top Tent Rentals received a loan to support its expansion of indoor and outdoor onsite rental space in the former Bomgaars building.