Caledonia Argus

Video store opens under new ownership

Posted: 3/12/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Wanda Steele is hoping her new business turns into the place where kids like to hang out and that parents trust. Wanda and her husband Terry are the new owners of Caledonia Video and Arcade at 219 South Kingston.

Wanda had been looking for a new career when she read that the video store was for sale. It didnít take her long to decide to give it a try. After waitressing for more than six years at the Redwood, she knew she still wanted to be around people.

She decided to buy the business, and said she learned as much as she could in a week and half before the doors opened under her ownership on February 1. Although sheís gone more than 30 days without a day off, sheís enthusiastic about the new venture.

ìI didnít want Caledonia to be without a video store,î said Wanda.

But she wants the store to be more than a video store. She has added a pool table, a juke box, and arcade games, and offers snacks and pop for sale.

ìThereís no place for kids to go,î she explained., ìThey can wait here for their parents, itís better than being out on the streets. Itís always supervised, and there is no smoking allowed,î said Wanda. She noted that she is almost always at the store, but her son Tyler, a senior, will also be working. Wanda and her husband Terry also have a son in eighth grade, Travis, and Tanner, who is in kindergarten.

Wanda has been keeping up with movie reviews and wants to offer a wider selection of movies and DVDs. ìI plan to keep stocking the shelves,î she said. She said she wonít offer movies with ratings stronger than ìRî.

The store is located in a former theater, and there is plenty of room for expansion. The hours of Caledonia Video and Arcade are 3-9 on weekdays and 1-9 on Saturday and Sunday. Super saver cards are available, and there is a drop box for returns after-hours.

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