BEATRICE, Neb - A major change is on the way for a southeast Nebraska furniture store.

After 53 years in the furniture, appliance, and TV retail and service industry, Stan Meyer plans to step away from Ashley Homestore.

“We started a little store in Wymore that was maybe 1,500 feet that we bought for maybe $4,000,” Meyer said. “Had to borrow against a car the I paid for out of the Army to borrow the rest of the money to buy the business. We moved five different times, we’d work during the day, at night we’d remodel the store so we could move into it. We moved about five times, but got here, and said we’re not going to move again.”

Meyer plans to keep the real estate and continue his work with the air park, Indian Creek Mall, and Bomgaar’s. In his new free time, he hopes to find the woods for more bow hunting time, fly his plane, manage VRBO homes, while spending extra time with family.

The store will officially change hands to the new owners in about a month.

“The new buyers are local, Nebraska boys from Kearney,” Meyer said. “They’ve got three other Ashley stores already, had been trying to buy this store for about five years, and we finally made a deal with them.”

Jenny Swarthout will serve as the store manager.

As a show of gratitude, Meyer and the store are donating 100% of Wednesday’s sales to Beatrice’s Hope Crisis Center and the Community Food pantry. Something Meyer says makes him feel proud.

“It does…. And our employees feel proud too,” Meyer said. “I can’t imagine being hungry, I haven’t ever been without food, and it’s a real need in this area so we’re real happy to do it.”