“The universe had different plans.”

By Kate Knight

Dala Quimby, owner of Dala’s Import Oasis, has decided to postpone retirement and keep her business open until further notice, after 32 years of working downtown in Stevens Point.

She previously announced her retirement last September.

Dala’s Import Oasis is still open for business downtown in Stevens Point. (City Times photo)

“I’m happy to announce that I’m not retiring,” Quimby said. She explained that she has been through a lot of changes, with more than three decades of experience in the downtown area, and is ready to re-envision her store.

Nearing the end of 2015, Quimby realized her planned New Year’s Eve retirement date was no longer a viable option and decided to keep Dala’s Import Oasis open.

The store’s retirement/closing sales will continue through January. Following these sales, Quimby said she plans to restock her inventory starting with incense and new tapestries – both in high demand from customers and through social media on Facebook.

“Hopefully I’m going to find some new clothing vendors,” she added. Quimby also invites people to stop in and tell her what items they’d like stocked in the store. She is looking for suggestions.

Quimby said Dala’s Import Oasis provides “beautiful, unique, Fair Trade, quality and different things you can’t find anywhere else.” She said she and her dog, Aragon, are ready to welcome customers back into the store.

“It’s always wonderful to see everyone,” Quimby said. “People are my favorite part – they’re not just customers, they’re friends.”

“I’m a people-person,” she added. “Everybody knows that Aragon and I are here, we love all the people that come in, and we love to talk. So come in, give me suggestions, and come buy something.”

Quimby also emphasized the importance of supporting locally owned, small businesses in the area and said Stevens Point’s downtown is unique in its variety.

“People should realize how important it is to shop local – to keep the diversity downtown,” she said. “You won’t find it out on HH.”

“It isn’t empty down here. There’s a lot of different things to go and see.”

Dala’s Import Oasis is located at 925 Main St. in Stevens Point and is open Wednesday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information find Dala’s Import Oasis on Facebook or call 715-341-4433