After mulling it over for several years Carl Johnson and Katalin Szauer want to rename their Dollar Dollar store in Williams Lake.
To reach that aim, the pair have launched a contest asking for suggestions and said they will reward the creator of a “stellar” name with a $100 gift certificate.
“So far we’ve had more than 50 entries,” Johnson said Friday at their Second Avenue North location. “And between us we’re constantly generating ideas now that we’ve made the decision to change the name.”
When they first opened the store 17 years ago, Dollar Dollar seemed the right choice.
“Dollar Dollar is a fun name and easy to say, but we’ve outgrown it,” Szauer said. “We are hoping to find a new name that encapsulates everything we offer, which has changed considerably.”
Johnson actually owns the rights to the name Dollar Dollar and has given other business owners permission to use it.
Not that long ago, they moved the store to its present location in the Hodgson Mall and tripled the floor space.
“We brought in Wilton cake decorating supplies and started using certified instructors to teach classes,” Szauer recalled. “That was our first move to a brand name in a big way.”
That move was followed by carrying RC remote control airplanes and vehicles, a decision prompted by numerous requests from customers that Johnson bring parts into the store.
Last year the store started carrying brand name toys and scrapbooking and paper crafting materials, because other businesses were closing and there was a vacuum.
“We incorporated elements of those closed businesses into ours,” Szauer explained.
“We also have paper crafting classes offered now.”
The pair is hoping the new name will reflect the store’s new focus. Even with a name change, the store will continue to carry dollar store merchandise because, Johnson said, the store was built on that inventory.
Many people shop at both price points, Szauer added.
“It’s a mix that’s working well.”
Hopefully by the end of April, Johnson and Szauer will have a name that’s memorable and fun, they said. Anyone with name suggestions can drop them off at the store or post them on the Dollar Dollar Facebook page.