The Value Villa Story
it came to be…
Dallas and Dianna Engler previously owned and operated Camelanes Bowling Alley in Gillette, Wyoming. After selling that business, Dianna attended college to attain a teaching degree while also working for the school district. During her summers off from the school district she worked for Marie Manor, owner of The Thrift Shop, a small, well known store where previously owned clothing and small household items were sold on consignment. After several summers, Dianna realized the potential for an expanded, larger and more comprehensive consignment business. Marie graciously sold Dianna some supplies to get her started and with a partner, Grace Thomas, they rented 2000 square feet of building space. They raided the closets of their own homes and collected salable items from family and friends to stock the limited number of shelves and racks they had. Armed with little more than an idea and a big dose of determination, Dianna; with the hesitant but hopeful backing of her husband and family, opened the doors to Value Villa in December of 1983. The goal was to build an honest, helpful, friendly place for people to shop; and, for people to bring no longer needed items to sell. Value Villa was never to be thought of as a “second hand store.” It was meant to capture interest with continually changing merchandise that was both unique and useful. Eight months of hard work yielded surprising success and in 1984 Dallas resigned his position as Manager at a car dealership to join Dianna in the growing consignment business. Shortly thereafter they bought their partners’ share of the business. In 1987, four years after opening, a brand new 15,000 square foot Value Villa was built at the current location, 1600 West 2nd Street. Over the years some things have changed. The store’s inventory was computerized, some hard lessons were learned and better ways of doing business were discovered. But, the main idea of Value Villa has never changed…be honest, friendly and helpful. After 30 years of dedication and hard work, Dallas and Dianna retired in 2013. Their son, Scott Engler, now operates the business, and with the help of his dedicated staff - the tradition continues.