Grand Island Shopping Tips by Rich62

DOWNTOWN, OR STRIP MALLS: A VARIETY OF AREAS

The old downtown area is a bit run down, but there might be some interesting stores there. Otherwise there are various strip malls or the big mall area in North Grand Island.

What to buy: anything

What to pay: it varies

Directions: The old downtown is in the heart of the city, generally along either 1st or 2nd Avenues.

Theme: Other

ACE HARDWARE: NEED TOOLS? VISIT "THE HAMMER STORE"

This is a well-established, popular hardware store in Grand Island. In the spring they have lots of garden plants and tools as well. Because of the giant hammer on top of its sign, some people refer to it as the "hammer store." Yes, they do sell hammers also.

What to buy: Tools of any kind, lawnmowers, snow throwers, gardening items, you name it, they've probably got it.

What to pay: reasonable prices

Directions: I don't remember the street address, but its one block north of the main east-west street thru town, and its about in the middle of town. Seems like its sortof behind a grocery store.

Theme: Other

Kohls and Sam's Club: KOHLS AND SAMS CLUB

Kohls is mainly clothing, but also items like picture frames and other household items. Its a good place to buy gifts, we have found.

Sams Club is the WalMart spinoff, good prices there.

What to buy: Food and other items at Sams, clothing & household goods at Kohls.

What to pay: reasonable prices

Directions: both are located on the main highway into Grand Island from Interstate 80. Kohls will appear first, on your right. Sams is farther north, on your left.

Theme: Discount Store

Many different stores and shops: RISING FROM THE ASHES; LOCUST STREET

One of our favorite shops on Locust Street is the "Grounds to Go" coffee shop. Sorry I don't know the address, you will have to look it up.

What to buy: Twenty-five years ago, Grand Island was hit by seven tornadoes in one day! The devastation was terrible and there was loss of life. South Locust Street, one of Grand Islands main shopping areas, was ripped apart. The photo shows how nice it looks now, but it has taken years of rebuilding efforts.

Locust Street now has its own exit off of Interstate 80. There are two Grand Island exits, the eastern one will put you right onto Locust Street.

What to pay: average prices

Directions: Take the easternmost of the two Grand Island exits and go north; you will be on Locust Street.

Theme: Other

Gordmans, and many others: Shopping areas

Gordman's is a department store that illustrates the main shopping area of Grand Island. Near Gordmans is a Home Depot, the Conestoga Shopping Mall, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Menard's, and many restaurants such as Old Chicago, Red Lobster and Applebee's.

What to buy: General shopping is available.

What to pay: average expense

Address: along highway 281 midway through town.

Directions: Take the highway 281/Grand Island exit off of interstate 80 and proceed north on highway 281. midway through town you will clearly see all the shopping opportunities.

Theme: Department Store