Shawn and Anita Lee are partners in the truest sense of the word. The married couple, parents of two young children, are also longtime entrepreneurs. The two ran a successful commercial cleaning service for over a decade, but after experiencing a drastic decline in revenue they began to think creatively about their next step. Soon after, Midwest Dollar Stores, their current venture, was born.
“We’ve been here since last December,” said Shawn of their store’s location near the intersection of 38th Street and Arlington Avenue in the plaza of the now defunct Value City department store. He noted the store’s original location was in Plainfield, but was moved due to a lack of a consistent customer base and the proximity of other dollar stores.
“We knew something like this store was needed in this neighborhood,” said Anita. “I would say when people come in they are very supportive. I think one of the things that sets us apart that you may not find in another store is, we really make an effort to get to know everyone who walks through the door,” she said describing their relationship with customers as a familial bond. “It’s similar to the experience you have in a barbershop where people come in and talk to you about everything – their problems, community issues, and concerns – that’s the atmosphere we have here.”
Shawn added the support they receive is unlike their experience in the previous location. “When some of the customers learned we were the owners, they never visited again.”
The Lees recommend entrepreneurs do extensive research, create a solid business plan, and possess plenty of tenacity. “Be willing to sacrifice and don’t give up,” said Anita. “Our goal is to expand by growing the current store, opening others, and creating jobs. We want to continue to be a blessing to our community.”
For more information on Midwest Dollar Store, visit midwestdollarstore.com.
