Krogen’s celebrates 90th
Boscobel, Wisconsin-based Krogen’s Do it Best, in honor of its 90th anniversary, hosted a week-long celebration featuring giveaways, product discounts and food.
“We know we wouldn’t be who we are today without the support of this loyal community, and we’re always interested in an opportunity to invest in them as they’ve invested in us,” said Karl Krogen, president.
Krogen’s commemorated their business’s inaugural year of 1933 and its 90th anniversary throughout the celebration with number-themed giveaways and discounts.
“The first 90 shoppers received a free t-shirt; door prizes were drawn every 90 minutes; and each of the 90 winners received a prize worth more than $90,” said the retailer.
Krogen’s dates back to 1933, a time considered by historians to be the depths of the Great Depression, when Jack and Blondy Curry opened a small 14x26-foot automotive supply and variety store in Boscobel, a small town in the southwestern part of the state situated on the Wisconsin River.
“Jack’s father was the owner-operator of a pioneer Gamble-Skogmo retail outlet, a regional retail conglomerate of the era. Helping in his father’s store convinced Jack that he, too, wanted to be a hardlines retailer,” said the company.
Jack and Blondy Curry’s store became the first Gamble franchised dealership, and to bring customers into the store, they offered a grand opening sales promotion starting on March 11, 1933.
Their promo: With the purchase of one automobile tire for as low as $2.85, customers would receive a second tire free of charge, two free inner tubes and free mounting of both tires, said the firm; and, “thanks to Jack’s innovative thinking, the store became a success.”
Today, the Curry’s original 364-square-foot store has been expanded to over 13,000 square feet.
They are in their third location on Wisconsin Avenue, and their total sales area now includes two adjacent storefronts, and it extends from the second floor into the basement, offering hardware and appliances.
Brand-name door prizes at the celebration included a Therapedic queen size mattress and box spring; a Frigidaire 15-cubic-feet chest freezer; and a Powermax portable power station, said the firm.
“It’s a joy to celebrate 90 years in Boscobel,” said Krogen.
