Staff writer
Theurer Auction of Wellington and Salina installed a sign at the edge of the Peabody Market parking lot on Thursday that created a stir for most local folks who saw it as they passed by.
The sign announced the auction of Peabody Market on Oct. 23.
A more careful examination of the details explained the sale is an online only auction and noted the real estate and all business assets will sell as an ongoing business.
Interested parties are directed to a website that gives more details about the bidding process, the required down payment, buyer’s premium, and closing costs. The website lists an opening bid of $50,000 with bidding closing at 2 p.m. Oct. 23.
Rumors of the possible sale of the grocery store have been circulating the community for several years, fed in part by owner Rick Turner, who has never denied that he would like to sell the store and retire.
Turner bought the business from Jim and Marilyn Cox in 2004. They have made some modest expansions and added a deli serving pizza, fried chicken, ribs, and sandwiches. The Coxes and the Turners always were willing to work with their customers to order specialty products or different brands.
The store has remained an anchor business for the downtown district for decades, supporting the economy of the community.
Turner emphasized his intent to sell Peabody Market as a going business.
“I don’t want people to think I’m trying to close their grocery store,” he said. “Our intent is to sell the business to another person interested in making a good living just as we did.”
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Turner sited health issues as the major reason for selling the business and retiring.
“I really don’t need to do this anymore. My health is not great and I have some things I still want to do,” he said. “Continuing to work is not part of that plan.”
The Turners are planning to retire to Gridley where they have family.
“We have a nice place there. We planted a couple dozen fruit trees last weekend and are planning to plant 15 shade trees next weekend,” he said. “We enjoy gardening and intend to do some of that as well when we get settled.
“We made a good living in the grocery business, but now it is time to move on to the next step.”
Peabody Mayor Larry Larsen expressed regret about the Turners’ decision to leave.
“Obviously we all hope the store will stay in business — hopefully selling to someone local who knows the community, but the Turners contributed a great deal to Peabody and they will be missed,” he said.
Larsen also said an out-of-town buyer would be welcome, just as the Turners were.
“We would look forward to someone coming into the community ready to enjoy what we have to offer. I see Peabody Market remaining a viable successful asset for our town.”
For more information about the bidding process or the business, contact Curt Marshall of Theurer Auction at 785-826-0824 or see the online auction at www.thuerer.net.