The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

December 11, 2011

Winnebago store relies on Internet

By Tim Krohn Free Press Staff Writer

WINNEBAGO — Travis Fjeld’s new outlet store in Winnebago combines traditional second-hand and warehouse liquidation offerings with an array of Internet-based services for customers.

“Without the Internet access, we couldn’t do this in a small town,” said Fjeld of the community of 1,300.

He opened The Outlet Store on Main Street a few weeks ago. He sells other people’s items on consignment as well as warehouse liquidation inventory he purchases through online auctions.  

“We’ve had a lot of good comments on what we carry and the cleanliness of the story. People say it doesn’t look like a junk store.

“We’re focusing on quality, lightly used stuff. They have to be things that have some value before we’ll take them.”

He also partnered with Loren Nelson, a Blue Earth businessman, who operates www.gopherbid.com.

Through that and other auction sites that Nelson and Fjeld work with, Fjeld provides buying and selling services for customers. (The Outlet Store’s phone number is 507-893-3074.)

“For customers who want to auction off their items, we’ll research it and find the sites that will work best and get them the most for their item. Some sites specialize in machinery and vehicles and others in antiques.

Fjeld also keeps a list of things customers are looking to buy. “They tell me what they want and their price range and we’ll search through different auction sites and sites that we’re members to find it for them.”

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