The Stockton Business Center, a small business incubator operated by Rooks County Economic Development, now has three tenants with the addition of Vic’s Variety Vault located at 322 Main in Stockton. The other two tenants include Ed Foster’s Barber Shop and Mortensen Computers.

The business incubator was started as a way of helping new small businesses get started by providing space at a low cost. The purpose is to "incubate" the business during their startup and, hopefully, grow the business into a viable Main Street business. Economic Development Director Roger Hrabe convinced the Economic Development Board to purchase the former Learning Center and Critters buildings for use as an incubator.  "The Board gave me the freedom and support to try this new idea. Anything we can do to fill Main Street storefronts and start new businesses is a step in the right direction" Hrabe said.

Vic’s Variety Vault is operated by Victor Bird of Stockton. The store offers various new and used items for sale, including sporting goods, sound, lighting and electronics equipment, antiques, used furniture and appliances, collectibles, and decorative items. In addition, customers can place orders for equine tack from vendors such as Billy Cook Saddle and Tack, Court Saddlery, and numerous others.

Initial business hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Future business hours will be adjusted as needed.

On a space available basis, limited consignments are being accepted between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, or by appointment. Additional information can be obtained by calling Victor at 785-205-0078.

A Kansas native, Bird recently moved back to Stockton after living in Maryland for 15 years where he met and married his wife, Karen. In Maryland, Victor and Karen established and operated a very successful mobile DJ business and are available to offer these services to the community as well.

Click here to see other new businesses in Rooks County.