Reeble’s boss says goodbye after 46 years
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:33 p.m., January 29, 2008
Updated 01:33 p.m., January 29, 2008
After Wednesday, Arnold Graham will have a lot more time to ski, hike and walk around in snow shoes in Colorado after his official retirement from the Reeble’s chain in Emporia.
Graham is retiring after being in the grocery business since 1962. After Wednesday, the stores will change hands and will be owned by Bob’s Super Saver. The two Reeble’s Country Mart locations and Price Chopper were Emporia’s last local family-owned grocery chain. Graham announced on Dec. 5, 2007, that the stores would be sold.
Rudolph Reeble founded Reeble’s Grocery stores in 1883. Graham is the son-in-law of Rudolph’s grandson, the late Bernard Reeble.
Three receptions were held for Graham Monday — one at each of the stores. During the reception at Price Chopper, Graham spoke with The Gazette about his feelings about retirement. He also visited with customers and employees who stopped by to wish him well.
“This has been really nice,” Graham said. “I’ve met lots of people through the years. A lot of them are coming in. It’s kinda exciting.”
Graham said the Reeble’s business has been fortunate in Emporia.
“The customers have been really good,” he said. “I thank them all for their business through the years.”
Graham said he has too many stories from his years in the grocery business to pick any one that stands out.
“Everybody has a lot of stories,” he said, adding that he’s built up a lot since he’s lived in Emporia all his life.
The grocery store business has changed dramatically over the past 46 years, Graham said. Year-round availability of many once-seasonal products are one of those changes.
“We are so fortunate that we were able to survive and keep on going,” he said. “There’s no more exciting time to be in this business than now. We have access to so much now.”
Graham says he will remember the people.
“I have lots of fond memories of all the people we’ve worked with through the years,” he said. “It’s kinda like one big extended family.”
Customer service is what has kept the Reeble’s stores alive, Graham said.
“We’ve tried to keep up with the times and adjust to what the customers want,” he said. “You have to be current with what’s going on.”
The stores also have played a big part in Emporia by getting involved in the community.
“We (gave) back to the community and supported a lot of causes,” Graham said.
So what is he going to do with all his new-found free time?
“We have a home in Snowmass Village, Colo.,” he said. “We’re going to spend a lot more time up there.”
Snowmass Village is about 10 miles from Aspen, Graham said.
“We live about 8,000 feet up,” he said. “Lots of snow.”
Graham said there will be more time for skiing, cross-country skiing and hiking.
“Exercise is not a problem,” he said with a smile.
dhcc66 (anonymous) says...
Thank you very very much for all of your dedication over the years Mr Graham. I've loved shopping at Reebles and will continue to shop at the locations out of loyalty. You and your employees made and continue to make the difference
January 29, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thank you for many years of good service to the public, Mr. Graham. Shopping at Reebles is never a chore; all those great employees must have a reason for staying on and being so happy, even singing from time to time. You must have treated them well too. Good luck to you and happy retirement!
January 29, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hjcary (anonymous) says...
I was a recipiant of one of your scholarships 14yrs ago :) Enjoy your retirement here in Colorado.
January 29, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporia_Spartan (anonymous) says...
Thanks for so many years of dedicated service to the community, Mr. Graham. You will be missed. I echo the others who wish you well and acknowledge that Reeble's and Price Chopper are all focused on being home-owned and operated stores. There's a special "feel" and attitude when shopping there. I hope the new owners will continue the friendly, helpful, and affordable approach to providing us with our essentials in Emporia. Also, thanks to the Bernard and Jane Reeble Foundation for contributing to the betterment of our community so many times in so many ways. EHS has been blessed so often with the generosity of the Reeble family. The legacy will continue in Emporia even though you are headed to beautiful Colorado
January 29, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
It's been said above, I agree with the previous comments. Enjoy your retirement, you've earned it.
January 29, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zippy (anonymous) says...
I like shopping at Reebles. I like the people, the sale prices and it is in my neighborhood.
It is sad that the hourly workers have not been taken care of very well over the years. Length of service - 3 months or 3 years = same or very close to minimum wage. Incentives, discounts, benefits = zero. At Arnie's good bye reception by an hourly worker - he shakes their hand but says nothing, no smile, turns away as the worker is trying to engage in a congratulation conversation and is left standing = same treatment as always. The hourly worker is dedicated to his neighbors-the customer, his co-workers, his supervisors and likes the work but is having a hard time paying his rent with the pay check.
Maybe the new owners will be more appreciative. We have three great stores made and ran by the hourly workers.
January 30, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporialifer (anonymous) says...
Thank you Mr. Graham for providing a great place to shop. The employees were always more than willing to help, go the extra mile, etc. and that only shows the customer service philosophy that management has passed down to them. Thank you again for all you have done for the community as well. Enjoy your retirement!
January 30, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drhawk1 (anonymous) says...
I worked at Reebles in the early 60s while in high school saving my earnings for college. That job provided a good deal of the funds needed for me to get through college, and I've had an enjoyable career as a CPA. I've lived on the West Coast since 1970, but still appreciate the part Reebles played in allowing me to enjoy a good life.
January 30, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )