Dateline: January 8, 2004

Lowe's purchases B&R Thriftway

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The owners of B&R Thriftway this week announced the sale of the supermarket chain to Lowe’s supermarkets.

Complete details of the sale were not available Tuesday morning, but a Lowe’s representative said more information would be made available in the coming days.

Bill and Laquetta Wilfong and Ron and Ka Wilfong established B&R Thriftway in Tulia in May 1975 and expanded the line to seven locations in the last 29 years. They have owned the Clarendon store since 1987.

“Our company was based on providing quality service, excellent product, and a genuine concern for the customers,” the Wilfongs said in a statement.

“We put into our business exactly what we expected others to receive. We took pride in providing quality meats, fresh produce, and a good selection of grocery items at a reasonable price.”

With over 40 years of experience in the grocery business, the Wilfongs say they have seen a lot of changes. There have been computer and electronic advancements, but they say small town grocers still have to provide household products and dry goods to compete with larger businesses.

The Wilfongs said they appreciated all their employees who helped promote their business and also said they are thankful to the towns where their Thriftway stores are located for their loyalty and support.

“We have truly enjoyed fulfilling your grocery needs,” they said. “We feel the time is right to step back and enjoy life with our families and relax.”

In addition to the Clarendon supermarket, B&R Thriftway has locations in Tulia, Fritch, Iowa Park, and Borger and two locations in Hereford.

Lowe’s Pay-N-Save currently operates 60 supermarkets in West Texas and New Mexico.