GIRARD, Kan. — A new business opened up its doors earlier this week on the historic grounds of the Girard square after one and a half years of preparation. Located on the west side of the square, on the former location of a Ben Franklin chain, the Girard General Store welcomed residents into its quaint, homestyle antique store offering those who wish to enter the store the chance to “step into a simpler time.” Co-owner and Girard native Kathi Cooper, along with her husband Jim, have been continuously working throughout nearly two years, building a store from the ground up that features antiques, homemade ice cream, retro candy, and more. In the months of preparation, the Coopers had a friendly visitor stop by, curious about what the store had to offer.