After more than a quarter-century with the Dollar Tree in Walnutport, store manager Kathy Godown is retiring, closing a chapter that began when the store first opened its doors in 2000.

Godown has been with the Walnutport location since its opening and spent much of her career managing the store and training employees.

“It was a very good career move for me,” Godown said. “I have made a lot of friends along the way. People that shop are very interesting.”

Throughout her tenure, Godown focused on maintaining a clean, welcoming store and keeping shelves stocked with both everyday necessities and seasonal merchandise.

“I have strived to keep the store clean, well stocked with the different holidays, keep the shelves full of the essentials, and to keep the store friendly,” she said. “I loved my job. The time here has gone by so quickly.”

During her years at Dollar Tree, Godown also saw significant changes in her personal life. She became a mother and is now the grandmother of her grandson, Oliver.

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with her daughter and grandson and hopes to make more outings and travel plans with her sisters.

Although retiring from management, Godown will not be leaving the store completely. She has agreed to continue helping at the Walnutport location two days a week, assisting with stocking shelves.

Her departure marks the end of an era for a manager who helped shape the store from its first day and built lasting relationships with employees and customers over the past 26 years.