Soderquist's Market started out in 1926 as a general store in the "middle of nowhere" in Ham Lake, well before the city was incorporated. It sold chicken feed, denim overalls, farm equipment and other goods.
Most items were bought on store credit, and people would "settle up" whenever they could, says a historical account of the store.
Now, 87 years later, it's closing time at Soderquist's, the end of an era involving four generations of family, according to Cheryl Sauter, who co-owns the market with her brother, Mark Soderquist.
The precise closing date is unclear — it depends on when inventory is gone — but today, Oct. 30, the store is hosting a get-together from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It will be a chance to reminisce about a place that has been a mainstay of the community, and to look through old photos and say goodbye to people, said Sauter.
A separate party for past and present employees is also being planned.
The Soderquist family has gotten to know many of their customers, vendors and fellow retailers personally over the years. "We've celebrated and grieved with them, with everything they've experienced and our family has experienced," Sauter said.
Many people had their first jobs at Soderquist's, and some even met their spouse while working there. Now, they're all grieving the loss of the store, Sauter said. "We're going to miss them. It's something we're all having to go through."
The store's sales have declined steadily in recent years while insurance rates and other costs have gone up. "We assumed it was the recession at first," Sauter said.