HASTINGS, Neb. – After three years of planning and construction, Small Town Famous is showing off its huge and unique expansion just down the street from its old location in Hastings.

The well-known apparel shop has been around since 2016, and is owned by Jacque Cranson, and her husband, Matt. 

The first thing you’ll notice about the new Small Town Famous store even before you walk in, is the giant sign on the sidewalk outside that is about seven feet tall and 28 feet wide.

Jacque said that recently some people have stopped into the new store and told her they had no idea they had their original location was so close to their new store. 

"It was something cool that we wanted to do so people could take pictures, and get the word out that Downtown Hastings is cool," said Jacque Cranson. "I think everyone needs a 28-foot sign because people live in a bubble and don't pay attention."

The store known for its screen printing for custom clothing orders now has almost triple the space of its old shop.

The extra room has allowed the business to buy a second printing machine, and in general, give employees and shoppers more room to move around in.

"We can now double our capacity. We have double the machines, triple the room, so it's being able to do faster and better," said Cranson. "We found we did so many custom orders, we didn't have time to print stuff from our own store and some of the stuff I would design and sell. Now we can get back to that and expand our business."

Small Town Famous is now the only three-floor retail store in Hastings. The first floor is filled with seasonal and year-round retail items, the second floor will be a fully functioning cafe serving soup, salads, sandwiches, and ice cream, and the third floor features a bulk candy section, and a massive array of kitchen supplies and things for children.

Cranson says she got the multi-level store idea from several shops in much bigger cities.

"We kind of modeled it after a couple of places in Waco, TX, a place in Kansas City, a place in Des Moines, and it reminds me of Scheels, (Lincoln) only it's in a historic building. I don't think there's anything like this in Nebraska." said Cranson. 

The old Small Town Famous store is being converted into a men’s apparel store, which will be run by Jacque’s husband, and co-owner Matt Cranson.

While Small Town Famous is getting bigger, Matt believes the business will still keep its small town vibes. 

"With our new location, I wouldn't say we've leaped too far ahead, we're still pretty small in the grand scheme of things," said Matt Cranson. "I know there are screen printers that I'm friends with and I've been to that have six, eight screen printing machines and they have 25-30 embroidery machines. We're at two presses and two embroidery machines, so still very small."

Small Town Famous is now open for business, and is having a grand opening on Sat. Nov. 16 when doors open at 10 a.m.