New Owners, Timeless Values
Walk through the front doors of Woodside Variety in Topeka, and you’ll find one aisle offering discounted groceries while around the corner sit toys, puzzles and more. There are unexpected treasures that can turn a quick errand into an afternoon of browsing.
For Harley and Marsha Miller, that’s exactly what makes the store special. The couple recently became the new owners of the former Miller Coleman Variety Store, a community fixture that served local families for more than five decades. While ownership has changed hands, the mission remains the same: offer practical products, friendly service and prices that make life a little easier.
“We want people to find what they need,” Harley Miller says.
In a world increasingly dominated by big-box stores, Woodside Variety feels refreshingly personal. Customers aren’t greeted by self-checkout kiosks or endless rows of identical products. Instead, they find conversation and a shopping experience rooted in community.
A Dream That Started Small
Ironically, the Millers never set out to own a variety store. Their journey began in 2023 with something much simpler: discounted groceries. What started as a small effort to provide affordable food options quickly became something bigger than they had originally imagined.
“Our dream was one day to have a store open to the public with regular hours,” Miller says.
At the time, however, the grocery business alone wasn’t large enough to support that vision. Then, while shopping at Miller Coleman Variety Store during the Christmas season, Harley struck up a conversation with the longtime owner. The discussion turned toward rising costs, retirement and the future of the business, ultimately ending with a change of ownership.
More Than a Store
Taking over a business with a 51-year history comes with responsibility. Generations of customers have shopped there for years, and fortunately, those loyal customers have continued to support the transition. The Millers say one of the most rewarding parts of ownership has been seeing familiar faces return while welcoming new shoppers from across the Midwest.
Some visitors travel from Michigan, Pennsylvania and across northern Indiana. Many discover the store through word of mouth, a testament to both its reputation and the variety of its inventory. Surprisingly, wedding shopping has become one of the store’s most popular categories. Customers frequently stop in searching for meaningful gifts for newlyweds, adding another layer to the store’s role in community life.
Everyday Low Prices, Real Impact
The phrase “Every Day Low Prices” appears throughout Woodside Variety’s messaging, but for the Millers, it’s more than a slogan. It’s a response to what families are experiencing right now.
With grocery costs remaining a concern for many households, affordability has become increasingly important. That’s one reason discounted groceries continue to play an increasingly important role in the business. The Millers work to keep prices as low as possible while maintaining a steady inventory flow, and customer feedback helps shape future offerings. When shoppers request products, the Millers listen. That flexibility allows the store to evolve alongside the community’s needs rather than simply guessing what customers might want.
Looking Ahead
Like many small-business owners, Harley and Marsha are still learning as they go. Harley continues balancing ownership responsibilities with a daytime job while working to grow the business. Their long-term goal is to expand both inventory and space, eventually constructing a larger store to accommodate growing demand. For now, however, they’re focused on building one customer relationship at a time.
The comments they’ve received so far have been encouraging. Customers often remark on the store’s welcoming atmosphere, bright interior and broad product selection. For the Millers, those compliments serve as a reminder that they’re not simply operating a retail business—they’re continuing a local tradition while creating one of their own. And in a world where finding both value and personal connection can feel increasingly rare, that’s a tradition worth preserving.
Woodside Variety is located at 3755 W. 500 S., Topeka. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The store is closed on Sunday. For more information, call 260-593-0577.
