Nosing around at Cenex
Published 9:00 pm Saturday, March 5, 2005
If you live in the north end of Snohomish County and buy dog food, horse feed, gardening and farm supplies, you’re likely familiar with Cenex Co-Op Supply.
But next time you stop in for a bale of hay, take a few extra minutes to check out the rest of the store. You might be surprised at what you’ll find.
The Marysville branch has lots of indoor and outdoor decorating items, including weather vanes, stepping stones, bird feeders and wind chimes, and a great toy section full of retro playthings such as Lincoln Logs, toy trucks and farm equipment and nostalgic collectibles.
Not all stores carry the same merchandise as the Marysville branch, but each one is worth a look.
Cenex Co-Op Supply is at 8323 State Ave. in Marysville, 360-659-1236. Other branches are on Olympic Avenue in Arlington, 360-435-3213; on Hewitt Avenue near the entrance to the trestle in Everett, 425-259-5571; and at the intersection of Highway 92 and Getchell Road between Lake Stevens and Granite Falls, 360-691-1813.
Everything old is new again: Smokey Bear, Tootsie Roll and Texaco Fire Chief are just a few of the retro metal signs available from Metal Images, a company that features reproductions of vintage advertisements. Other signs include the John Deere logo, Coca-Cola and such baseball greats as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. Signs are $9.99 each.
Run for the roses: Members of the Baby Boomer crowd may remember how popular those collectible plastic horses were back in the ’50s and ’60s, and if the size of the Breyer line is any indication, they’re still a hot item today. Seattle Slew, shown here with a blanket of roses, is just one of the famous racehorses featured in Breyer’s equine line, which also includes most breeds and a variety of sets and sizes. Seattle Slew, roughly 12 inches long and 8 inches tall, is $38.99; prices for other horses are $4.99 and up, depending on style and size.
Yo’ llama: These wonderfully soft and fluffy llamas are among the many plush animals of varying sizes and species in the toy section. The big fellow is $13.99; the little guy, $6.99.
Little red wagon: This 8-inch reproduction of a Radio Flyer wagon is more than a toy. It can be used to hold a floral display, haul a tiny Teddy Bear or as a serving dish for jelly beans or other tasty treats; cost $6.99.
Fun for Fido: The co-op carries lots of cool gear for dogs, cats and horses, including a selection of tough toys for tough dogs and a few goodies that are good for a laugh. This 6-inch heavy rubber tire toy will stand up to the strongest jaws, cost $7.99. Larger tires are available as well for an additional $2 each size up. Babble Balls keep pups entertained for hours with a variety of noises that are activated when touched. The round ball ($8.99) talks, laughs and giggles, while the dog-faced ball ($9.99) – to put it delicately – passes wind.
Step right up: This cheery welcome stone ($11.99) is one of many decorative stepping stones and wall pockets to be found at the co-op. Animals, birds, flowers, gardening scenes, rustic cabins and quaint country cottages are among the available designs. Prices range from $11.99 to $16.99 depending on style.
Wipe your paws: A pair of playful black labs adorn this colorful, washable doormat, cost $19.99. The wide selection of mats includes deer, wolves, a soulful-eyed golden retriever, dolphins and other dog breeds.
