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Classic Yard in Mandan closing

TOM STROMME/Tribune Ann Kirchmeier pulls weeds in a garden of annuals outside her parents business, Classic Yard, in Mandan on Wednesday afternoon. Kirchmeier said her parents, Ron and Mary Carrick, opened the business in 1996. "It's been lots of fun," said Kirchmeier of the soon to close store.

Jul 10, 2008 - 04:06:21 CDT

A Mandan yard and garden center will close by the end of the month, the owners said.

Classic Yard, 1701 Mandan Ave., is going to close by July 29 because owner Ron Carrick is ready to retire, he said.

"I've been in business in Mandan for roughly 45 years,"Carrick said.

The lawn and garden center has been open for a little more than 10 years, Carrick said, selling everything from garden supplies to rock and outdoor decorations; the business also hosted garden classes.

They have five full-time employees during the busy season and several part-timers.

Carrick said they're now pricing down and selling through the inventory in preparation for the close. After, they close, they're just going to sit back and relax a little.

"We haven't really made big plans, but we're going to take a couple of trips and settle back and relax a little,"he said. "This particular type of business is quite consuming during the spring and summer."

Carrick said the lot is for sale, but the business is not - and he's already had a couple of people asking questions about the property.

- Crystal R. Reid

News > Local

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Comments

Angie Ziesmer wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Congratulations, Mary and Ron. Enjoy retirement! You've worked hard all your lives. You deserve it! "

Mandanite wrote on Jul 11, 2008 8:35 AM:

" I'm sad to see this business close - not only did I shop there a lot but it was one of the places I would go to just to pass the time and get inspiration - there was always something fun to see and the classes were not only educational but such a great time. Their staff is so talented and I always looked forward to their newsletter.

I really wish the Carricks would reconsider and sell the business to someone who would continue to run it with the heart and dedication that they did. It's a gem and it brought people over from the other side of the river. Please don't let it disappear. "

little municipal support wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:35 AM:

" Sorry I struck your nerves. The Hopfaufs have done and will do some GREAT things in town. It just seems that someone gets all starry-eyed when some cookie-cutter developer hands them a colorful brochure. Maybe you don't understand the meaning of 'familia.' Again, what are the job responsibilities of the BDD? Newsletter Editor? Executive Secretary? Survey complier? These folks at Classic Yard had a fine store and have every right to retire. They are NO TOOL of mine. But, why doesn't someone at city hall be pro-active in retaining businesses?

Rebel-type people? Tax Whiners? Good Grief. I suppose you'll hold the football while I try to kick it, won't you, Lucy Van Pelt? "

Sad to See wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:06 PM:

" So, Little Municipal, these people don't have the right to retire and do what they want with their business? If it isn't for sale, I'm sure there's a reason and I would guess it has nothing to do with city hall. You want the BDD to tell them they can't retire, or to tell them they HAVE to sell the business? Would you let anyone tell you how to end this type of thing? I would not want to be obsorbed in such a distorted way of thinking just for the sake of being spiteful and mean. But that's the way I see a lot of people from Mandan, somehow those rebel-like people have lost the ability to think with common sense. Let these people retire without using them as a tool against city hall. Good grief. "

to little municipal support wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:30 PM:

" I also notice you did not mention the project by a local developer and local business owner. The Hopfauf and Gangl project with Bennigans. I guess you wouldn't want to mention positive. You want to sit and complain about everything. "

to little municipal support wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:27 PM:

" explain who gave money from city hall to familia. Prove it. I am sick and tired of baloney allegations. Give details. "

Casey wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:57 PM:

" LJ - Good point... have to admit that I don't the first thing about what it takes to run or sell a business, though it is obviously a labor intensive one. I do wish them the very best of luck. "

little municipal support wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:49 PM:

" The City Hall has a Business Development Director. So, what exactly is that job?The only Garden Type store plans to close. Is the BDD job just to sit at a desk and wave bye-bye. How about trying to retain this type of business in town? The city likes to make 'offers you can't refuse' to grand forks developers and the mitzels of the world. What has city hall done to halt the closing of businesses in town? Did they give big tax breaks to established businesses that were fatally harmed during remediation? No, They give them to others in their 'familia' They want to spend the money left over from remediation on a horse rink. Additionally, there's a concept called business incubation, and it doesn't necessarily mean to hire some firm from down south to tell them what to do. Make them do their job outside of the eighties development mindset. Adjust and Adapt. "

Sad to see wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:58 AM:

" I am sad to see this unique business close. It was handy and offered a wide variety of garden and lawn items. However, my question is how does city hall get drug into this? It appears these people want to retire but what municipal actions caused or could change that? Is every single thing that happens in Mandan the fault of city hall? This very attitude is what is wrong with Mandan. I know the Western Store closed because no one shopped there enough to turn a profit, but that isn't the fault of city hall either. Good luck to these owners, enjoy your freedom from what is quite a demanding business, and thanks for providing Mandan with such a fun garden outlet. Many people will miss it. "

little municipal support wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:29 AM:

" Too bad this excellent store/business did not have a BIG NATIONAL CHAIN STORE name. Maybe then, they would have caught the attention of the 'Great Plan' some one in City Hall has for Mandan. We Mandanites can't wait for the unveiling of another grandiose 'event center' type idea. That would have kept this business growing. Not!

Is this part of the new mayor's "we got to get retail, that will solve all our problem"
campaign pledge?

Anyone who was ever in the place knows what a special treat it is/was. Thanks Carricks, Happy Trails! "

LJ wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:06 AM:

" To Casey. It could be that the profits versus owner hours are not enough to make it attractive for someone to purchase. I visit Classic Yard several times every year and it looks to me to be a very labor intensive business. I wish the owners the best of everything in the future. "

How Sad wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:27 AM:

" Yet another Mandan business closing...how terribly sad. Marcy you rock...your expertise will lead you to better digs! "

Casey wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:59 AM:

" I wonder why the owner isn't willing to consider selling the business. Mandan is desperate for businesses... and this is the only lawn and garden store that I know of in Mandan. Would rather close it down, than consider someone else taking it over? I don't get it. "

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