Yard expands, anticipating boom times

ECESSION? What recession?

It might be one of the slowest periods in local business history, but Main Street Lumber, Denison, Tx., will have no part of it. The company is in the middle of a huge expansion.

" Despite the temporary soft economy, Main Street Lumber is on the way to another record sales year," said Robert Pool, co-owner with his brother Chuck. "The area's continued support, in combination with our expanded product lines and our great employees have made the decision to enlarge an easy one."

Not only is the company doing well. the brothers see the entire area poised for a turnaround. "We feel investing in our business now will prepare us for the Texoma area's bright future," said Chuck, pointing to growth in neighboring communities, local plant expansion plans and the area's intensifying emphasis on tourism.

The four-month expansion program, slated for an early lall completion, will more than double the retail floor space, adding a garden center and a batch of new emulovees. New pole storage sheds are being constructed in the back, where an additional acre-and-a-half has been acquired. The old pole sheds in front are being torn down to make room for the store extension

"The store will be two-and-a-half times as large," said Chuck. "So our hope is to more than double sales."

The new store design incorporates

Hardware Wholesalers Inc.'s "Do-it Center" concept. The buying group has 2.900 members. with 300 Do-it Centers in the U.S. and Canada.

The store is evolving into a full line home center. "Currently better than 75%r of our business is contractors," began Chuck.

"The new design allows us to better serve the do-it-yourselfer while still offering special services for our contractors." Robert added.

Main Street Lumber was founded in 1952 in what had been an old railroad depot. When the Pools' father, a journeyed lumberman, joined the company in 1970 it was still not much more than the 2,000 sq. ft. former rail station building and a lumber bin. without even a fence. The Pools have built it into a predominantly contractor oriented yard, but the move is on to invite the doit-yourselfers down to Main Street.

Story at a Glance

Despite area's soft economy, Texas lumber yard will more than double facilities. four month remodel aims to attract do-it-yourselfers.