VALENTINE, Neb. – Valentine’s True Value is holding a liquidation sale as the store changes hands.

Local businessman Matt Sandoz will take over after the sale wraps up, and he says his goal is to keep the Main Street location thriving while expanding what customers can find inside.

“The thing we’re most excited about is preventing a place on Main Street from closing,” said Sandoz. “People we’ve talked to are also excited that we’ll be expanding products and services.”

Alongside the usual tools and hardware, shoppers can expect a wide variety of new items—from crockpots and electric skillets to refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers. Sandoz also plans to expand rentals, offering everything from tillers and power rakes to generators, DJ speakers, bouncy houses, and even a flatbed trailer.

Sandoz recently sold his previous business, Huskerland Communications, which was based in Valentine. He was the U.S. Cellular and Radio Shack agent for 26 years. At the time of the sale, Sandoz owned three locations—in Valentine, Columbus, and O’Neill—but at one point, he had seven different locations.

“I’m excited with this new business to spend more time at home and in Valentine, instead of traveling,” Sandoz said.

He’ll also be bringing some of his previous expertise with him—offering electronics at True Value, including TVs, Bluetooth systems, and streaming devices like Fire TV Sticks and Rokus. Paint will be a major focus, too, with a full line of paints and stains. And shelves will be stocked with toys, gardening supplies, grills, and bikes.

“We want to be a place for the do-it-yourselfer to come in, and we can take care of you and maybe give you some tips,” said Sandoz.

The Valentine store was previously known as Coast to Coast before that company merged with Cotter & Co. to form TruServ, which was later rebranded as True Value Company.

“When I was a kid, it was Coast to Coast,” Sandoz said. “All of us kids used to come here all the time. It’s neat to now be a part of that.”