Village Farm and Home Celebrates 40 Years in Business

On Saturday, September 20, the Manning family and their team at Village Farm and Home invites the community to join them in celebrating the store’s 40th anniversary.

For four decades, Village Farm and Home has been a trusted source of products for residents, businesses, and visitors in Mabel and throughout southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. The store carries a wide range of items including kitchen supplies, toys, paint, gardening tools, plants, clothing, farm supplies, camping supplies and much more.

Village Farm and Home is owned and operated by Kevin and Joan Manning and their son, Noah. Team members include Alisa Link, Diane Tollefsrud, and Tyler Gallagher.

The business began with a vision. Joan’s father saw the potential in a vacant building in Mabel, Minn., that sat empty for approximately five years. It took two years to convince Joan and Kevin to take the leap. At the time, Joan was working as a cosmetologist and Kevin was a horticulturist. Joan’s father urged them to consider a hardware store instead. 

The couple purchased the building at the intersection of Highways 44 and 43 in 1985. Then in 1998, a straight-line windstorm tore the roof of the structure. It flooded big time in 1998 and has happened more than once. The current building was built in 2000.

When asked what has kept the business going strong for 40 years, the family credits their “customer service, regular hours, great employees, and a wide inventory.”

Reflecting on the past four decades, the couple described the changes they have seen.

“We have few and far between sales reps show up anymore,” Kevin said. “Most orders are placed online.”

Another change? The rise of card payments. “It’s a big expense on our end,” he said. “We don’t charge customers extra to use their cards.”

The hardware industry itself has shifted dramatically. “There aren’t many small dairy farms anymore,” said Kevin. “We used to sell a lot of dairy supplies.” 

In response to these changes, the Mannings continue to adapt by regularly updating their inventory.

“COVID was tough,” said Joan. “We were considered essential, so we stayed open, but getting products was a challenge.” 

To meet large minimums – like prepaid freight or large prepaid orders – the couple teamed up with Joan’s siblings and place joint orders. This buying group who run similar stores helped the family manage costs, keep shelves stocked, and offer competitive prices.

The family has no shortage of memorable moments over the years. The couple recalled a time when a man bought a 1,500-gallon water tank, put it in his big truck and insisted it did not need to be tied down. Smiling, they explained that he got out by the golf course and a semi went by him and sucked it right out. The Mannings went out and loaded it up again.

There was the day a mom accidentally left behind her young son who had been in the toy aisle. “We occupied him with pop and candy,” Joan said. “When his mom came back, he started crying again – maybe mad at her for leaving him or sad to leave the toy aisle.”  

As they celebrate this 40-year milestone, the next generation is ready to step in. Son Noah will take over operations, with plans for his wife to join him in the business.

The Manning family is thankful for the loyal support of their customers and invites everyone to the anniversary open house.