Ellendale’s newest business opens in Floors 4-U building
PANTHER PRIDE — Allison Muilenberg stands next to some of the merchandise offered by the Panther Den, which recently opened in the Floors 4-U building in Ellendale. Below, more samples. (Star Eagle photos by Eli Lutgens)
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
“It was a Godsend,” according to Allison Muilenburg, regarding the new addition to Floors 4U, the Panther Den.
Last weekend, the Panther Den held its grand opening and began selling NRHEG Panther merchandise. After the recent closure of New Richland Drug, many in the community were left wondering where they could go to find Panther apparel. Muilenburg and the Ellendale Community Action Group already had it covered.
“It was about two weeks before they (the New Richland Drug Store) announced they were closing when we first discussed the idea,” remarked Muilenburg. “We didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but then a couple weeks went by and we all found out about the drug store closing.”
No one was happy about the drug store closing, but Muilenburg saw an opportunity to help better the community.
“Our goal is to put the money from the Panther Den back into the community,” said Muilenburg. “We’re planning to use the proceeds from this to help pay for the Ellendale digital sign.”
The project she is referring to is similar to what is located outside the high school, in New Richland. A digital sign in the high school parking lot displays what upcoming school activities are taking place. The sign would be 4 feet by 8 feet.
The difference with the Ellendale project is that it would be a community sign, displaying activities and events in the area. As well, the ECAG would be the ones in charge of operating the sign, not the high school. So far the project is just over halfway to the fundraising goal of $40,000 needed for completion.
The Panther Den, located in the Floors 4-H building, has been very well received by the community, according to Muilenburg.
“We’ve had a lot of people come in and say they are really glad we started this. The only other place Panther fans could go would be Owatonna, and that’s just too far of a drive for many folks.”
The Panther Den has the same hours of operation as Floors 4-U, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.