by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Local residents are anxiously awaiting the opening of Ronning’s in Thief River Falls. They will have to cool their jets as the business won’t open until sometime this fall in the former JCPenney building.
Ronning’s sells clothing and footwear for the entire family as well home furnishings and gifts. Lyle Larson owns the business, which also boasts locations in International Falls, Baudette and Roseau. The business is named after the original owner, Wayne Ronning. Larson bought the International Falls store from Ronning in 2001 and added the other stores afterward.
Work has been progressing on the building since Larson took ownership. He plans to use 19,000 square feet of the building for retail space, which is a couple thousand more square feet than what had been used by JCPenney. Facades have been constructed on upstairs walls, and historical photos of Thief River Falls adorn the walls as well. Carpeting has been installed on both the upstairs and downstairs levels. Shelving has already been put in place for a portion of the downstairs.
Larson has hired Beth Naslund to serve as the store manager. Naslund, who was formerly employed as the manager of Maurices, began her new job Monday, July 15. “She has been stuck in the basement ever since she got here,” said Larson, who noted Naslund has been organizing inventory that can’t yet be moved upstairs.
Larson plans to employ a total of 10 employees in part-time and full-time capacities at the Thief River Falls store. Ronning’s is still looking for staff. Applicants can speak with Naslund at the store or apply on the store’s website.