Home of Economy
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Founder | Bob Kiesau and Jean Kiesau |
| Headquarters | Grand Forks , United States |
Area served | North Dakota |
| Products | Apparel, work clothing, Amish furniture, household items, automotive parts, tools, agricultural equipment, lawn equipment, paint supplies, pet care products, hunting, fishing and sporting goods |
| Parent | Runnings (since May 30, 2024) |
Home of Economy operates as a retail network comprising eight stores situated throughout North Dakota, with locations in Grand Forks, Grafton, Devils Lake, Minot, Williston, Jamestown, Watford City, and Rugby. The retailer provides an extensive selection of merchandise that includes apparel, work clothing, Amish-crafted furniture, household items, automotive components, tools, agricultural and lawn equipment, paint supplies, pet care products, as well as hunting, fishing, and sporting goods.
History
Established in 1939 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota by Bob Kiesau and his wife Jean, Home of Economy initially focused on wholesale distribution of auto parts. The following year, Bob inaugurated the first retail outlet in Grand Forks, North Dakota, primarily specializing in retreading used tires for resale purposes. Over time, the business expanded its presence to several cities across North Dakota.
Home of Economy is acknowledged among the pioneers of discount retailing. Prior to its discount initiatives, prevailing free-trade regulations enforced fixed high pricing structures with discounts only available to fleet operators managing five or more vehicles. In 1950, Bob Kiesau innovatively targeted farmers who owned at least three tractors or combines by issuing them fleet identification cards via mail—enabling these individual farmers to benefit from fleet pricing on their purchases.
On December 3, 1987, a fire devastated the Grand Forks store; however, operations recommenced within one week at three temporary venues.
The enterprise’s slogans include:
- "Be wise, Economize"
- "The friendly store where your dollar buys more."
On May 30, 2024, Home of Economy—originally a founding participant of Midstates Distributing Cooperative—was acquired by fellow cooperative member Runnings. This transaction increased Runnings’ total store count to 90 locations.
Locations
- Grand Forks – 1508 North Washington Street
- Grafton – 868 West 12th Street
- Devils Lake – 1205 Highway 2 East
- Minot – 107 20th Avenue Southwest
- Williston – 2102 2nd Avenue West
- Watford City – 113 6th Street SE Ste 5200
- Jamestown – Buffalo Mall, 2400 8th Ave SW
- Rugby – 225 US Highway 2