Small town Colorado mercantile closing after 45 years [Video]

WATKINS, Colo. (KDVR) — Small, family-owned businesses are sometimes referred to as “mom-and-pop” stores.

Such is the case of O’Malley’s Mercantile in Watkins: They have been in business for 45 years and now they are saying goodbye.

Fall colors in Denver: 7 can’t-miss places for fall leaves in the metro area

On March 17, 1979, Mike and Kathleen “Kath” O’Malley opened their store in Watkins. Cattle feed, horse chow and pet food were the staples. Kath even remembers their very first customer.

“I do remember her. Her name was Susan Archer and she lived actually just a mile north of our current location. Do you want to know what she bought? She bought a bag of Dealers Pride dog food,” said Kath.

Forty-five years later on Dec. 21, O’Malleys will be no more.

“It’s time. We have been here long enough. We want to do some traveling. We want to …