Small town Colorado mercantile closing after 45 years

WATKINS, Colo. (KDVR) — Small, family-owned businesses are sometimes referred to as “mom-and-pop” stores.

Such is the case of O’Malley’s Mercantile in Watkins: They have been in business for 45 years and now they are saying goodbye.

On March 17, 1979, Mike and Kathleen “Kath” O’Malley opened their store in Watkins. Cattle feed, horse chow and pet food were the staples. Kath even remembers their very first customer.

“I do remember her. Her name was Susan Archer and she lived actually just a mile north of our current location. Do you want to know what she bought? She bought a bag of Dealers Pride dog food,” said Kath.

Forty-five years later on Dec. 21, O’Malleys will be no more.

“It’s time. We have been here long enough. We want to do some traveling. We want to follow our grandkids around,“ said Michael.

The wood and metal this building is made from are much more than building materials. O’Malley’s Mercantile is a family member. A family member they must bid farewell to.

“I am really going to miss the people that have been our friends and patrons all these years. They are the best. They are the best,” said Kath.

Family members are helping with the transition. And everything in the store must go at discounted prices. Kath and Mike are busy now, and they like it. Less time to think about that very last day of business.

When O’Malley’s closes its doors for good on Dec. 21, the “mom and pop” run by two very sweet people will be gone for good.

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