GREENSBORO, N.C. — In less than a week, WFMY News 2 turns 75. Over the course of this week, we're also recognizing some of the local businesses that also opened their doors in 1949. Today, we're talking about family-owned retailer, Fleet-Plummer. We sat down with Vice President Reid Plummer to talk about the store's past and future.
Plummer said, "We have morphed from a mom and pop hardware store back in the forties that sold guns and mixed paint, to a specialty retail store." Plummer says he's seen the change of the times, in a good way. He said, "It is neat to see people come in and have their parents with them or even their grandparents who shopped here or to hear the stories about somebody coming in downtown and buying a bike, their first bicycle from my grandfather or uh you know, the first TV, that the family ever had they bought from Fleet Plummer."
When asked about how the community has supported the business over the years, he said, "I am extremely grateful to be in this business, to have this business. I'm grateful to the community for supporting us when I think about 75 years. And just how long ago that was. It's really remarkable to think that we're still here after all those years, after all those decades. [...] To know that the community is still behind us."
But Plummer isn't dwelling in the past. He's planning for the future, using the past 75 years as a guide. "The future is to really repeat the past. We've done very well with our core values of people, service, excellence, quality, and we don't plan on changing that." Fleet Plummer came out with a new tag line for their 75th anniversary. It is: 'enriching lives and inspiring generations since 1949.'
Fleet Plummer has everything from coffee to clothes and greeting cards to grills. For more information, visit the store on Greensboro's Battleground Ave or visit their website by clicking here.
We'll be celebrating 75 a little more this week. We're catching up with some familiar faces and celebrating other businesses turning 75. Don't miss it!
Of course, this weekend we want you to celebrate 75 years with us! Sunday, August 18th, we'll be at Triad Park from 2:00pm - 4:00pm for a party! There will be food trucks, a performance from Eric and the Chill Tones, and, of course, members of the WFMY News 2 team! We hope to see you there.