WA family back in business after thieves stole merchandise truck in Federal Way

Introduction

A family business from Olympia has made its triumphant return to the haunted Night Market in Lacey after experiencing a devastating setback. Just as the Halloween season began, thieves stole their U-Haul truck, packed with merchandise, tent, and display racks from a parking lot in Federal Way while the family slept. Fox 13's Jennifer Dowling reports on how the Anderson family is getting back on their feet after this ghastly start to the holiday shopping season.

To prepare for the festival, the Anderson family has been working tirelessly, churning out hundreds of items. Thankfully, the local community stepped in to help them, allowing them to bounce back from the incident. Elizabeth Anderson expressed that there were moments when they felt overwhelmed and considered giving up, but the encouragement from the festival coordinators kept their spirits high despite the theft.

With their rental truck stolen and the majority of their merchandise gone, the family faced a critical decision point. They chose to keep moving forward rather than give up on their passion for their business, stating they picked themselves up by their "Mario Brothers bootstraps." The family pulled together, working late into the night to rebuild their inventory, with children pitching in and even coordinators from other events stepping in to assist with preparation.

The community support has been inspirational, with all racks, tents, and other supplies being donated to them. Wes Anderson shared that they managed to put together around 3,500 new pins in just two weeks—a testament to their hard work. Although they didn't have their usual full setup with 12 boards, they were able to bring a semblance of their market presence back for the festival.

The return to the market brought renewed gratitude from the Andersons for the generosity of the community. "These people don't have to help us, but we see that we have a community, and we’ll get back to where we were again," Elizabeth expressed. For the family, every sale counts, as a hit like this for bigger retailers, such as Walmart, would go unnoticed, but for small businesses like theirs, it represents their whole livelihood.

For those who missed the Night Market, there’s still an opportunity to support the Anderson family at the Tacoma Haunted Market, happening Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Keyword

Family business
Olympia
Haunted Night Market
Lacey
Merchandise theft
U-Haul truck
Federal Way
Community support
Holiday shopping season
Halloween

FAQ

Q: What happened to the Anderson family's merchandise?
A: The Anderson family had their U-Haul truck, which contained their merchandise, stolen from a parking lot in Federal Way at the start of the Halloween season.

Q: How did the family manage to replenish their stock after the theft?
A: The family received substantial help from the community, which donated supplies and equipment, allowing them to produce new items quickly.

Q: What are the operating hours for the Tacoma Haunted Market?
A: The Tacoma Haunted Market will be open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Q: How important is community support for small businesses like the Anderson family?
A: Community support is crucial for small businesses, as they can significantly feel the impact of financial setbacks, unlike larger retailers.

Q: What has the family learned from this experience?
A: The Anderson family has learned the importance of community support and resilience in the face of adversity. They are grateful for the kindness shown to them by others in their time of need.