KANSAS CITY, Mo. — People in Brookside are rallying behind a store that could have to move or possibly close after 80 years in business.
Owners of The New Dime Store said the property owner, First Washington Realty based out of Maryland, is increasing its rent significantly.
Longtime customer Sonja Shaffer said she wanted to do something to help because of how much the store means to her and many others in town. Shaffer started a Facebook page called 'Save The (New) Dime Store in Brookside.'
"This store is like the heart of Brookside," Shaffer said. "People would be heartbroken and upset if this store closed."
The store is known for its variety of old-school toy and candy products, crafts and decor.
Shaffer said walking down the aisles is like a trip back in time.
"There's so many people in this community that grew up going to the dime store or they worked there when they were kids," Shaffer said.
Employee Rachel Arato-Hrabko said the store owners recently learned the rent would increase.
The increase comes amid a property assessment hike. According to Jackson County, the property has a nearly $500,000 increase in commercial value between 2017 and 2019.
41 Action News reached out to First Washington Realty to ask if the assessment increase directly caused the rent hike and if the company is appealing it, but the company has not yet responded.
