It is the end of an era in the downtown Texarkana business community, as the owners of Almost Everything prepare to retire after 25 years in business.
"Ten rental houses, day care center, seven Almost Everything chain stores (of which Texarkana is the one remaining location), there comes a time when you know it is time to go," said Don Anderson, owner, along with his wife, Linda.
Linda has been dealing with some health issues and both Andersons are 73 years old-circumstances that factor into their decision to put it down and move on.
Having been in business in the region for more than 50 years, the Andersons have seen a lot of history out of the windows of their 999 Building.
"The 999 Building, which we have refurbished and is in fine shape, was built in 1925. Back then, where State Line Avenue is now, it was a two-lane highway," he said. "Where the courthouse and post office is now, there was a gas station, one of the biggest in the state at the time."
Almost Everything has been a family-operated enterprise, as have the Andersons' other businesses.
"My children will be receiving my other business here in town, AE Quality Film, a business that specializes in importing and wholesaling window film and tinting tools," he said. "Greg Anderson, my son, owns Over The Top Roofing."
Don is certain now is the time to retire.
"I should have retired after I sold the other Almost Everything franchises, but I was actually living in Texarkana and employing my family. It has been good to employ them and train them on the business. Now, it is going to be in their hands," he said.
The 999 Building and the entirety of the Almost Everything business is now on sale. Quoted at $1 million in value- with the property, the auto service equipment and the merchandise all part of the deal- Anderson says he's letting it go for $200,000.
"Whoever buys it gets the whole building and facilities as well as a two-bedroom apartment upstairs, plus you have an established brand, if you want to continue operating the business as is," he said.
As for what he and Linda are doing next, they have traveling on their minds.
"We're thinking of going to Ireland and Scotland, kick back and enjoy. We're just going to go mess around for awhile," he said.