Bigfoot Sales: Harlan's Treasure Trove of the Unexpected

Where Every Visit Promises a New Discovery in Downtown Harlan

In the heart of downtown Harlan, tucked just off the square in what locals fondly remember as "Leo's barbershop," sits a business that defies conventional categorization. Bigfoot Sales, owned by Les and Cathy Sidman, has transformed a tiny storefront into an ever-changing wonderland of discounted treasures, handcrafted items, and unexpected finds that keep customers coming back just to see what's new.

From Garage Experiment to Downtown Discovery

What began as Les Sidman's curious YouTube-inspired experiment has evolved into one of Harlan's most unique shopping experiences.

"It actually never started out on purpose to be a business," Cathy explains. "Les was watching YouTube and watched a lot of videos on people buying these pallets and opening them up and selling stuff."

Intrigued by the concept, Les saved up and purchased his first pallet of returns, overstock, and open-box items from major retailers. Opening the shipment in their garage felt "like Christmas," according to Cathy. The couple started selling items on Facebook Marketplace, but quickly realized the drawbacks of running a retail operation from their home.

"I don't like the idea of people always coming to our garage," Cathy notes. "You know, meet us in the back of our house...and I don't like that kind of traffic at our home."

When they heard that Les's boss at Dave's Body Shop was planning to retire, the opportunity aligned perfectly. "We kind of thought, well, maybe if we had a store, then that would be something that Les could do when Dave retires," Cathy recalls. In 2023, they took the leap and opened Bigfoot Sales in downtown Harlan.

A Retail Adventure Where No Two Visits Are the Same

The name "Bigfoot Sales" might lead some visitors to expect sasquatch memorabilia ("People think we sell Bigfoot items," Cathy laughs), but the store's inventory is far more eclectic. The business model combines several distinct elements:

• Pallet resales: Discounted items from returns, overstock, and open-box merchandise from major retailers
• Handcrafted wood items: Les creates wooden flower boxes, spinners, and games
• Laser-cut crafts: Custom-made items using Cathy's laser cutter
• New merchandise: Puzzles, diamond art, and other consistently stocked items

What makes Bigfoot Sales unique is that its inventory constantly evolves. Unlike traditional retail, where customers know exactly what to expect, shoppers at Bigfoot Sales are drawn by the thrill of discovery.

"I think they just come back to see what we have, you know, like what's new this time," Cathy explains.

This element of surprise works both ways. The Sidmans themselves never know exactly what they'll find when unpacking a new pallet. Les describes the excitement of opening unmarked boxes: "The last batch, they were all in plain boxes...two seven-foot-tall pallets of boxes that are about two foot by two foot...nothing on the label, don't know what's in them."

Quality and Value in Every Mystery Box

While the unpredictable inventory creates excitement, the Sidmans have established a reputation for honesty and value that keeps customers returning. Unlike some pallet resellers who simply put items on shelves regardless of condition, Les and Cathy meticulously test everything before it enters their store.

"We do test everything...a lot of the pallet stores don't, and you just get what you get," Cathy explains. "We try to go through everything and test it. We've had lots of blow-up mattresses, so we blow them up, put weight on them, and let them sit overnight to make sure they hold air."

This commitment to quality control extends to pricing as well. "Most of the stuff on the pallets, when we get it, we usually mark...half of retail," Cathy notes. "We look up everything on Walmart, Amazon, or wherever it happened to come from, and start at half off of retail price, depending on condition."

Their experience has taught them to become more selective about which pallets they purchase. "We've learned how to pick and choose pallets, that's for sure," Cathy says. "Like the company name rather than the name of the item—you kind of know what companies have good stuff."

Community Connection Through Unexpected Treasures

Beyond the business model, the Sidmans find joy in the human connections that emerge from their unique store. One of their favorite aspects is witnessing the delight when someone finds exactly what they've been searching for.

"It's pretty exciting when you get something and someone comes in and was like, 'Oh my gosh, I was looking for one of these!' and it's something really random, and they had been looking for it, almost bought it maybe, and then we have it discounted," Cathy shares.

This serendipitous aspect creates genuine moments of connection with customers. The Sidmans have also discovered that items they might consider unusual often find enthusiastic buyers. "It is weird the things that we're like, 'Who would buy that?' But then that's maybe the first thing that goes," Cathy observes.

Beyond their retail operations, the couple participates in local vendor shows and community events, using these opportunities to showcase specific product lines while introducing more people to their store.

A Rotating Showcase of Value and Wonder

While some items come and go, Bigfoot Sales maintains a few consistent product lines. Their handcrafted wooden spinners have proven particularly popular, with Les having sold "hundreds of them." The store also regularly stocks puzzles, diamond art kits, and Jibbitz (the decorative charms for Crocs footwear) that "kids love...and that gets mom and dad in the store."

The mix of consistent products alongside ever-changing inventory creates a balanced retail experience that rewards repeat visits. Customers often ask the Sidmans to notify them when specific items return—though as Cathy notes, with the nature of pallet sales, "It could be next week. It could be never."

For Les and Cathy, the business combines the thrill of discovery with the satisfaction of providing value to their community. When asked about their favorite part of the business, both immediately mention "opening the stuff" and the excitement of uncovering treasures within each shipment.

As downtown Harlan continues to evolve, Bigfoot Sales represents a perfect example of entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. The Sidmans have created not just a store but an experience—one where every visit promises something new and unexpected for those willing to explore.

Visit Bigfoot Sales at 1105 7th Street in Harlan (formerly Leo's barbershop). Currently open Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Follow their Facebook page for updates on new items and watch Facebook Marketplace for their latest treasures. For specific inquiries, message them directly through Facebook.