Tuba City True Value celebrates grand re-opening
New store triple the size of former location
TUBA CITY, Ariz. - On May 5, Navajo Westerners True Value celebrated it's grand re-opening of its 10,000 square foot location. According to co-owner Starla Crabtree, the store has increased greatly in size.
"We have tripled in size from the previous location. More space allows the store to offer more products that were not able to be offered before due to the size restriction," said Crabtree. "We have expanded our home and garden area to offer more grills and items that we didn't offer before. We also have a sporting goods section that offers extended fishing equipment for individuals that may be going fishing in local areas such as Lee's Ferry. The point is to offer products to the community so they do not have to go to Flagstaff for items. We are promoting the TrueValue.com website that will allow individuals to order items on the website that can be shipped to the store and purchased in town and we will pay for the shipping. We are targeting the younger technological savvy customers to utilize this type of services to order things that we may not have on stock."
"Navajo Westerners has been a presence in the community since 1974," according to Kee Cody, founder of the original Navajo Westerners convenience store, which has expanded to a feed store and hardware store.
"I have always had the intention to provide products to the community so that they can find things in Tuba City instead of traveling," said Cody.
Cody said the growth of the True Value, which opened in 1988, is just a continuation of his vision of providing products to the community. Crabtree said the business is family operated and Navajo-owned business that offers jobs to the community. With the recent expansion, they have hired five more employees and plan on hiring more people.
Crabtree stated that she lived in Mesa for a time but grew up in Tuba City. She came home two years ago and has gone into business with her father.
"I tell my children to go out and learn as much as you can and come back home and help the community with the things you have learned. I learned my business knowledge in Mesa and was able to utilize that experience in running the business here in Tuba City," said Crabtree. "One big change in the store is that there is more room to browse in the other location it was harder to find things now that everything is more organized. Some things that have previously been offered can now be found much easier."
The celebration included bands with hot dogs and sodas being served. Many were in attendance to enjoy the sounds of local country western band favorite, the Hopi Clansmen.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: