New variety store caters to all ages, tastes

Ray Kirkland has opened The Variety Store, a catch-all of old, new and handcrafted goods at 328 Lincoln Avenue.
It was just last month Kirkland started cleaning the building out to make room for his inventory, which ranges from furniture to antiques and china to personal items and Christmas decorations. He was ready to open in just under two weeks with the help of his family, who filled the store’s shelves.
Business has picked up a little every day, Kirkland said.
The building isn’t quite ready – Kirkland said the walls will be painted.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” he said.
Behind the front part of the store are three large rooms and additional space between Kirkland and the building to the west.
Originally from Texas, Kirkland said he spent his entire life in the oil business. But his grandfather’s antique store was an inspiration.
“And here it is,” he said.
His first dollar earned is tacked on the wall. Kirkland said he feels welcome in Hebron.
“Everybody’s been great to us,” he said.
One of Kirkland’s pastimes is added to the mix of framed pictures that line the walls, three different sizes of vintage egg baskets, lamps and porcelain dolls.
Kirkland builds furniture decorated in a western flavor.
“It’s just something I’ve always done,” he said.
He handcrafts saddle racks, original looking hat racks and cedar boxes with rolltops. Kirkland’s NFL cedar boxes have sold well too, he said.
The shop’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day except Tuesdays and Sundays.
On Tuesdays, Kirkland can be found helping out with the Food Bank of Lincoln’s stops in the area, along with his mother, sister and brother-in-law.
“I like to give back a little bit,” he said.
He’ll also give back through the shop’s excess inventory. Kirkland said he plans to donate the items to Things and Stuff or Blue Valley Community Action.
“There’s good people at both places,” he said.