That ’ s because its owner , Jeanette Hamilton , hasn ’ t gone anywhere . Only the store ’ s original backer , Sears , has moved on .
“ I ’ m thankful for Sears , because I built such a customer base ,” Hamilton said about the company she was once affiliated with . “ Now , those same customers say , ‘ No matter what name ’ s on the building , we ’ re still going to come in and shop with you .’ That ’ s exciting for me .”
With the name officially changed over and Hamilton having hosted a ribbon cutting to make it official , Somerset Hometown is in operation . Hamilton has owned the store , located in the Tradewind Shopping Center , for more than 23 years .
She took over from the previous owner , Thressa Dolen , who was an original Sears catalogue store owner .
“ I worked for her for a couple
of years after college ,” Hamilton explained . “ Then , she and her son , Randy , gave me an opportunity to buy the store , and I bought it from them . They still are a part of my life today . Even in the transition of the new store , they have been supporting me .”
She said she and Dolan became so close during Dolen ’ s ownership that customers would come in and ask Dolen about “ her daughter ,” or ask Hamilton about “ her mother .”
And while Dolen isn ’ t her mother , Hamilton still considers her family .
“ She and I became so close that I would call her my second mother ,” Hamilton said . “ She ’ s been an amazing inspiration for me , because I learned a lot from her .”
Hamilton ’ s actual mother , Nita Bell , is also a vital part of the business , Hamilton said . Bell can be found in the store most days , as she works part-time six days a week .
“ This store would not operate without her ,” Hamilton said .
Besides changing the name , Hamilton said the store has been repainted and revamped . She ’ s added new displays , and has added new items for retail .
That includes brining in new appliance brands , such as Speed Queen . “ That was a brand I was not able to carry with Sears , because Speed Queen does not sell to big box chain stores . They sell to independent stores only ,” she said .
Their motto , “ Built better to last longer ,” reflects their commitment to making well-built washing machines and dryers that may not have all the bells and whistles some manufacturers put in , but they stand behind the tried and true methods of
Folks gather to celebrate the ribbon cutting on Jeanette Hamilton ’ s store . Photo submitted
Previous page photo : The entrance of the Somerset Hometown Store , which is located in the former Sears Hometown Store .
Photo by Carla Slavey
18 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky June 2023