Viking Office Supply leaves mark on Geneva

GENEVA – Peter Leonard of Geneva wasn't ready to leave Viking Office Supply on Sunday afternoon as he scoured the shelves looking for something else to buy.

After 33 years of being in business, Viking Office Supply shut its doors Sunday afternoon. Leonard was the store's last customer.

For the last 12 years, the store has been the place where Leonard has been able to buy hard-to-find items, such as the tape dispenser core that he bought Sunday.

"They sell a variety of items and the prices are good," Leonard said. "I will miss it. I live in town, and I ride my bike here all the time."

Leonard also said he liked the personal service he received.

"It's a smaller store," Leonard said. "It's not huge like a Staples."

Closing the store was bittersweet for Viking Office Supply owner Weldon Johnson.

"It was a great 33 years," the 70-year-old Johnson said. "It's been a hoot. I would not have wanted to do anything else."

But given the state of the economy along with other factors, Johnson said it was time to close the store.

"I made the decision to get out before things got worse," Johnson said.

Wild Roots owner Jim Malatesta, located across State Street from Viking Office Supply, said the store was a convenient place to pick up office supplies for his business.

"I would get operating supplies for the store, like pens and paper," Malatesta said. "I liked Weldon. He was a soft-spoken guy. He didn't say a lot, but when he did, you listened."

Malatesta said he believes Viking Office Supply would still be open if the community would have supported the store more.

"I don't think OfficeMax is the same, but if the community has decided that's where they will go, then they will go there," Malatesta said.

Geneva Chamber of Commerce President Jean Gaines said Johnson and his family have made an impact in Geneva greater than just running a business.

"They also lived in and invested in the community, both in time and energy," Gaines said.

For example, Johnson marches in Geneva's Swedish Days parade every year dressed in full Viking costume.

"He still will have his spot in the parade," Gaines said.

The store's name reflected Johnson's Swedish heritage.

"All four of my grandparents came from Sweden," Johnson said proudly.

Gaines said she wishes another office supply store would open in the space, but feels that is unlikely.

"Hopefully it won't take too long to fill it," Gaines said.

While Johnson is closing his store, store manager Anne Shaw, his daughter, is starting her own business – Viking Paper Store.

Shaw lives in Elburn and her business is located in the Elburn Community Center. Her business will print stationary, invitations, business cards and other items.

"I'll be my own boss instead of my dad," Shaw said. "We definitely had a good working relationship together,"

She decided to keep the Viking name as part of her business.

"I think it has a good reputation around here," Shaw said.