Winter 2010

Best Sellers in Dysart, Iowa By Tom Lundvall

Small Town Sales

Traditionally “Best Sellers” has looked at well-known cities around the country. In this issue, by training our sights on Dysart, Iowa, we also celebrate retail thriving in small towns in America.

Dysart is a small town in Iowa—a really small town. It has a population of only 1,300 but the energy and drive on Main Street is proof that small towns (as well as big) can be favorable to thriving businesses. Dysart is located in farm country—out among the fields in northeast Iowa. Whether shoppers are looking for an inspired piece by a local artisan, or special gifts, they will find it all in one of Dysart’s shops.

The town hosts many local events—including a Fall festival and wine tasting event—to attract destination shoppers. What’s more, a group of six local women—the H.A.T. team—volunteers time to meet groups that visit town. “If a group wants to tour our local gardens, historical museum or take a trip out to the seed corn plant that is nearby, [the Hospitality and Tourism Team] offer to do that,” says Wanda Petersen, owner of Dysart’s Sassy’s Boutique.

Tom Lundvall

Tom Lundvall is the Benton County correspondent for the Cedar Rapids Gazette and has frequently covered and written about businesses in Dysart. He is the former editor for The Vinton Eagle, an area newspaper.