Straight to the Top: Meet Angie Spriggs, Theisen’s New Store Manager in Grinnell

On Monday night, Angie Spriggs’ phone rang. On the other side was the familiar voice of Charlie Isaacs, the former store manager of Theisen's.

“Charlie checks in on me all the time,” laughs Spriggs. “And yesterday he asked me how my first day was going!”

Don’t be fooled — Spriggs has been at the farm, home, and auto products store for about 7 years now. But yesterday, Spriggs was promoted to Theisen’s store manager position!

“I learned everything I know from Charlie and Nikki, who is now the store manager at Newton,” says Spriggs. “And we have such a great team here and everyone is super excited for me.”

Spriggs, who was born and raised in Grinnell, never thought she would work in retail until Isaacs hired her as a sales associate. She was a teller at a local bank for a decade and worked in patient accounting at the Hospital for another.

Her promotion comes after the store’s decision to undergo a minor remodel — and who better to lead it than an experienced Spriggs?

The remodel comes 20 years after its inauguration to Grinnell. “Starting August 31, Theisens will be moving to a C-size store,” explains Spriggs. “We’re repurposing about seven thousand square feet to add some much-needed warehouse space and bring our current break room downstairs to meet handicap accessibility requirements.”

The remodel is planned to take 8 weeks, but Spriggs assures customers that the store will remain open the whole time.

“Don’t be afraid of coming to see us! The exterior of the store will stay the same, but maybe prepare for it to be slightly dusty,” she laughs.

Following the remodel, the entrance and exit doors will swap, and the cash registers will be on the opposite side of their current location.

But you’re probably asking yourself about more pressing matters — will the complimentary popcorn and baby chicks still be available at the store? “Absolutely!”

Essentially, the remodel will ensure more space to display items, and create a better flow for certain items including farm, pet and seasonal products. Eventually, the store will adopt a new flooring project that transforms it into concrete.

“I’m looking forward to getting through the reset,” Spriggs shares. “And for now, we are staying in touch with our customers, whether they are farmers or everyday shoppers.”

Theisen’s, which does phenomenal in pets and farm product sales, can get just about anything for you — if the Grinnell store doesn’t have it but another Theisen’s does, they can purchase it for you. “If you don’t want to drive for a product, we can get it to your house for free shipping. If you spot a product in any of our brochures, let us know!”

Spriggs will also continue on the community work that Isaacs began during his tenure in Grinnell. She plans to continue the Christmas Share donation stop, which donates toys from Theisen’s to area families, and will partner with Imagine Grinnell to supply trees to their 1000+ Trees Initiative.

During the reset, Spriggs is hiring temp workers for the 8-week remodel period. Workers would help out Mon.-Fri from 7 AM-5 PM. If you or someone you know is interested, call (641) 236-4036.

Grab some popcorn, gawk at some baby chicks, and buy some home essentials at Theisen’s! Their team awaits (during particular hours of course: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-8 PM, Sat., 8 AM-6 PM and Sun. 9 AM-5 PM).

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Marcus Brandenburg — Anthem Heating & Cooling
• Donna Fischer — UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center
• Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Sarah Bacehowski — OnMedia
• Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Evan Petig — The Grinnellian
• Angie Spriggs — Theisen's
• Karen Dillon — Grinnell Remodeling
• Jon Stratford — B3 Technology
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
• Geneva Knobbe — Grinnell Motors
• Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Fran Conn
• Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell Poweshiek
• Natalie Pavey — Cirks Financial Services