Home of Economy 1508 North Washington Street, Grand Forks, ND 58203

"I stopped in, today, and had a look around. The clerks seemed friendly and agreeable. I bought some Amish microwave popcorn, called Troyer's. I made a bag, and the variety of popcorn was different, so it didn't pop as loudly, and I had a hard time hearing if it was done or not. I removed it and I think it burnt. It is the most expensive microwave popcorn I've ever bought in my life. It was $6 for 5 bags. The popcorn came out really small and it didn't have much flavor. I can imagine the Amish buying it and enjoying it, since they are a group that has dedicated their life to Masochism. I ride the city bus and they have a bus map and timetable in a frame on the wall near the side doors. The bus routes have changed. The map and timetable they are using looks to be about 15 years old. They might as well take it down, since so few people use the bus, anyway. They no longer unlock the side doors. I see they sell some signs for property owners. They might put up a sign on the outside that says 'not an entrance' and one on the inside that says 'not an exit.' That way customers don't need to experiment. They used to have registers near that side door, but maybe business has slowed down over the years, and they don't need two sets of registers, anymore. They sell a lot of stuff, but I was left with mixed feelings about how practical some of it is. I don't own a home on a large piece of property, so I don't need snowblowers or riding lawnmowers or a smoker or backyard barbecue. They carry a lot of kitchen utensils, so I asked if they had a kitchen sponge and they didn't carry a regular sponge. They had weird sponges, if that counts, but nothing like the Scotch-Brite with a soft and a scouring side. Their furniture section carries some pricey items. There was no website or poster or brochure up talking about warranties or what design features were used inside the Amish furniture that would give you a longer lifespan than what you would get at Ashley. It's pretty obvious you would get a longer lifespan than stuff from Target, which is made for college dorm rooms or people on a tight budget. I don't know how the farmers or people who deal in larger amounts research this stuff and just know why the furniture is going to be more practical or durable than the mass produced stuff. It would be good for them to have some background information for us in their furniture 'gallery', so we don't go in and waste their time. They want us to have a lot of information, at our fingertips, and all our questions ready and we don't want to look stupid. With their furniture sales crew, looking stupid is an easy goal to master. I can imagine this type of store working real well in a small town dedicated to servicing the local farmers, since you would get to know the clerks, by name, and they would become like family to you. And you wouldn't care so much if they didn't have everything, since rural life has pros and cons. But, in a suburban setting, it doesn't really hold that much appeal, unless you need the store for something specific. I even wanted to return the popcorn and called to ask about their return policy and they aren't as liberal as Sam's Club. When you buy food there, you just take your chances. Maybe, they need a special clerk who is knowledgeable about their food and beverages, who can give you the low down, the skinny on the food, so you don't come away disappointed. If anyone has ever thought of taking a vacation to Amish country, buy some of their food and it will be like you went and you can get a real feeling for the Amish life, for pennies on the dollar. I looked on their website and their motto is 'guaranteed lowest prices.' They have a belt in there for $70 and the clerk wasn't able to share with me its magical properties. I wear sweatpants, so they include a drawstring. Maybe, their motto is outdated. They did start up in 1939. Perhaps, at that time, they did offer some good deals. Now, I just can't imagine someone responding to that with a straight face."

"It’s a nice place to buy all kinds of fishing baits, last weekend I got some night crawler and went for fishing at Red River point! I Got excellent response after a long time! They also have some other kinds of baits such as large fish and blood sucker (leach)! Those large fish are little expensive $2 per piece! You may catch bigger fish like northern pike and walleye! So please do not miss them!"

"Can’t beat the prices! Good selection of home and hardware. Has a little something of everything."

"Great place to get what you need. Been coming here since I was a kid. Just bought an amazing Amish Table set. Beyond satisfied with the whole process from sale to delivery!"