Raccoon Valley Radio does not own photo. Photo is courtesy of Des Moines Register.

The Perry community will be losing a local business after it closes up shop on Saturday.

Ben’s Five & Dime is closing its doors after business hours on Saturday after a 70-year run. Store Owner Andrea Tunink shares that she has been working at the organization since she was in high school then took over as the owner in 2019. Tunink commented that the pandemic led to many people shopping online, but points out that it was the company’s best year because they were considered an essential business. However, she mentions that the last couple of years, it’s been tough to have consistent customers.

“Foot traffic got to the point where it just wasn’t sustainable anymore, and I think our first kind of significant ‘ouch’ was the fourth quarter of 2022, so we’ve been trying to egg it along for the last year and a half and we got to the point where it just wasn’t working anymore.”

Tunink admits that it’s hard to shutdown after serving the Perry community for so long and is truly appreciative of everyone that has supported the organization.

“Just a big thank you to the community. When you make these decisions, it’s really really hard and you don’t know how people are going to receive it, but it’s been received really really well. We’ve had a ton of support and we’re super appreciative of that. I couldn’t have asked for the closing to go any better.”

Tunink reveals that Ben’s Five & Dime will remain open through Saturday and will be open regular business hours from 9am-5pm. She also encourages people to support local businesses in Perry as she’ll be rooting them on.