Miller-Bowie hopes purchase will keep another downtown staple going for years

Miller-Bowie Supply is set to take full ownership of  local hardware store General Supply next month. 
The store's longtime owner. Vinod Doolabh, wants to be able to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Miller-Bowie Supply is set to take full ownership of local hardware store General Supply next month. The store's longtime owner. Vinod Doolabh, wants to be able to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Amid the downtown business renaissance, several heritage enterprises still ply their trade. Miller-Bowie Supply, established in 1950, started out as a farm supply co-op 70 years ago, but over time has expanded services. And now, they are about to do it again.

"We are farm-oriented, but since opening, we've expanded our lines, becoming something of a Home Depot, with tools, pet supplies, hunting and outdoor sporting gear, and more," said Heather Parker, general manager of 14 years. "We also do the standard feed, seed and fertilizer of a farming supply outlet. We have also opened up a location in Foreman, Arkansas. That establishment began doing business in 2010."

Miller-Bowie Supply's latest move is to take over ownership of General Supply, a locally owned and operated hardware store on Spruce Street. General Supply is owned by Vinod Doolabh, originally from Central Africa. Doolabh has run General Supply for 30 years but has decided to retire.

"He wants to spend time with the grandkids," Parker said. "We are very passionate about supporting downtown local businesses and the downtown revival. So rather than just let a local business close its doors, we decided to purchase General Supply and keep it running."

So far, the inspection has been completed, and now, title work and other details remain.

"We hope to take full ownership around mid October," Parker said. "Even after the purchase is completed, Vino is staying on a few more weeks to help General Supply get up to speed. We encourage his customers to keep frequenting this business for years to come. While this is all going on, we encourage his customers to come by and wish him farewell."

Parker said they will do more than preserve the business of General Supply.

"We also want to preserve the heritage appearance of the store, including keeping the name," she said. "We may be adding to the inventory, but otherwise preserving the business."

Miller-Bowie Supply is at 1007 W. Third St., Texarkana, Texas. General Supply is at 1019 Spruce St., Texarkana, Texas.

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