In 1966, George Schmidt opened a small business called Shoppers Supply.  What was then a small fleet and farm store operation has now blossomed into a major, family-owned, multi-store retailing business.

In 1989, George's son Jim took over the stores in Fort Dodge, Webster City, and Eagle Grove, Iowa.  At the same time, Jim made Fort Dodge, Iowa the headquarters for his group of stores.  He operated out of a small warehouse that eventually became too small to house all of the goods that were coming through for delivery to the other Shoppers Supply stores.  With this expansion, Jim moved his warehouse to a larger building at the intersection of Highways 169 and 7, that location served as his company headquarters, until 2004.  Then the warehouse and Fort Dodge store came together as one at 3112 5th Ave South, this servers as the current headquarters.

Shoppers Supply is unique from other stores because it carries such a wide inventory, including toys, work clothes, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, automotive supplies, pet supplies and, of course, farm equipment - doing a great deal of business with farmers throughout the region.  Schmidt explained that his business is unique:  "we stress quality service."

 

Shoppers Supply Retail Store location moves and additions

Fort Dodge 1981-1986: Near the intersection of U.S. Highways 20 and 169, former TSC Building (7,000 square feet) 1986-1993: 3521 Fifth Ave. S., former Big Bear store  (12,800 square feet) 1993-2004: 2315 Fifth Ave. S., formor Tremors location (20,000 square feet) 2004-Pesent: 3112 5th Ave. S., former Kmart store (38,000 square feet)

Webster City Until 1995: 1440 E. Second St. (9,000 square feet) 1995-2000: 1900 Superior St., former Iowa Miss & Mrs. Store (17,000 square feet) 2000-Present: 2403 Superior St., (40,000 square feet)

Humbolt 1989-Present: 503 13th St. N., Purchase of the True Value Hardware Store (20,000 square feet)

Eagle Grove 1978-Present: 2753 Country Lane Road (12,000 square feet)

Des Moines 2003-2006: 4510 N.E. 14th St., Former CT Farm & Country Store (20,000 square feet) 2006-Present: 5049 NE 14th St., Former K-Mart store (45,000 square feet)