Hometown bargains celebrates grand opening

Hometown Bargains Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting hosted by Champaign Co. Chamber of Commerce on May 1st. (Left to right) Rodney Wolf, Michelle Smith, Maverick Geer, Justin Geer-owner, Marlee Geer, Heidi Geer-owner, Hannah Smith, Marcia Bailey - CEP, Cierra Marchele, Rachel Casey - Chamber of Commerce.

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Grand Opening of Hometown Bargains with a Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, May 1st. After 4 years of running a successful business out of their barn, owners Heidi and Justin Geer made the decision to move  to a more permanent space.

​Located at 1637 E US HWY 36 1B in Urbana, this space was once the home of Wal-Mart, but sat empty for the last 14 years and is now the home of this Wholesale liquidation pallets and bin store. These items include inventory from places like Target, Amazon, Home Depot and more!

What began as a part-time opportunity that grew into a full-time operation. Heidi started this business as a way to make money on the side. With continued growth, she was able to leave her job and operate her Facebook group and business full-time. This year, after 11 years at JWP, Justin was able to resign and run their business full-time.  It was then that the two decided it was time to expand into a larger space. The two reached out to the Champaign Economic Partnership and were thrilled to quickly find a space they had previously considered 2 years prior. Heidi said, "This wouldn't be possible without the help and support from their families." They are currently operating their business with the help of their families but hope to hire employees as the business expands.

Hometown Bargains new logo recently installed by Streamline Design + Print.

Hometown Bargains bins filled before Grand Opening on May 1st.

​Currently Hometown Bargains will be open Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm, Monday 10 am - 5 pm and Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm or while supplies last. They plan to continue online sales through their Facebook page on Wednesdays. Pricing for items in bins makes it easy for shoppers to know what to expect, on Saturdays everything in bins are $7, Sundays are $5, Mondays are $3, and Tuesdays everything in bins are $1. Whole pallets are also available for purchase. Heidi advised that hours are subject to changed as the business continues to grow. Make sure to follow their Facebook page for updates and changes. ​