Trading Post Has New Owners New Location

Jerry and Joanna Hughes are fulfilling a dream by purchasing the Trading Post and moving it to 111 E. Main, downtown Sidney. The couple has always enjoyed yard sales, shopping at second hand stores, going to auction sales and helping others sell their things. They also enjoy meeting people and dickering. “It’s always been fun for us,” Joanna said. “This is a natural extension for us, a dream come true,” Jerry added. The Hughes family moved to Sidney in 2006, when Jerry accepted a position at Busch Ag. Joanna has been a stay-at-home mom to 7-year-old Jerome who is autistic.

The store is a great fit, with Joanna able to work days and Jerry coming in to finish the late afternoons and evenings. Jerome receives the necessary stability in his life with an area designed just for him. Rounding out the family are two friendly dogs, Cocoa and Coffee.

The Trading Post has always been more than just a store. People would come in to sit by the fire and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat. Hughes are continuing that tradition, with the coffee always on and a fireplace in the works for the near future. “We want it to be a store and a neighborhood place where people can come in, have a cup of coffee and visit,” Jerry stated.

Hughes purchased consignment and inventory, including the pawn from Donna Hunsbedt. They’re always looking for new merchandise and wish to have items to satisfy interests of all kinds. They will be expanding the gun section and invite customers to let them know of any specific needs and wants. “If we don’t have it, we’ll try to get it for you,” Jerry said. They’re planning to expand the pawn as well. All pawn items are insured and secured. Some individuals use the pawn shop as a safe storage option.

Consignment items are the lifeblood of the store. Contact Jerry or Joanna about consigning your items. They will even come to your location to give estimates. Home based businesses are invited to contact them about potential display space as well.

Reaction has been very positive from the community. “People are so happy that the store isn’t going away. There’s a need for this kind of store here,” Joanna said. With their great downtown location, Hughes plan to join the Chamber of Commerce and participate in all the fun events that take place throughout the year.

Very soon, The Trading Post will also be an internet store, providing even more opportunities for the buying and selling public.

Jerry and Joanna are grateful for the opportunity to turn their dream into a reality. “Donna has been an invaluable source of strength and advice,” Jerry stated. “She’s done more than her part to make this transition easy.” They’re also thankful to Barb Connor for continuing her consignment of the back bar from the old Stockman Bar in Fairview. Building owner B&B Builders also receives lots of praise from the Hughes family. “They’ve been wonderful. They’ve bent over backward to get us into this building,” Jerry stated. Hughes also wished to thank Stockman Bank for being so great to work with, and the entire business community for being so receptive and helpful.

The Trading Post is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Their phone number is 406-433-7676.