Bethel Feed liquidates merchandise, closes

Sitting in a circle of folding chairs near the entrance of the now-empty Bethel Feed Store, manager Steve Littleton, his brother Gary, son Stephen and fellow store employee Jason Jensen were busy last Friday selling off the last of the store’s merchandise.

Friday was the culmination of a week-long liquidation sale. The Littletons and Jensen sold everything left in the store, including the shelves the merchandise sat on, for cash.

According to Steve Littleton, who worked at Bethel Feed for 30 years, the store closed on April 29. Gary Littleton worked at the store for 22 years, Stephen for six and Jensen for four.

“The owner sold the property to Home Depot,” Littleton said. “We found out the store was closing on March 26.”

Lees than a month later, Bethel Feed officially closed its doors.

“That last day was crazy,” Littleton said.

Business trickled through on Friday, with longtime customers coming in to pick over the remaining wares marked 80 percent off.

“You guys closing up?” one customer joked as he came into the cavernous space previously piled high with bags of feed and miscellaneous tools.

“Nah, we’re just a little short on inventory,” Littleton shot back, laughing.

Despite a cavelier attitude, Littleton said he, and all the store’s employees, were sad to go.

He said he doesn’t know what he’s going to do now.

“We’re working for the next hour and a half and then we’re retired,” Littleton said. “I guess we’ll start looking for something else.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.