Inside the new Gathered Goods Company storefront in Excelsior (courtesy Gathered Goods)
by Jahna Peloquin
When it comes to shopping for unique gifts, handcrafted goods are having a moment. Two new gift boutiques emphasizing handcrafted gifts and home goods by Minnesota artists and makers recently opened in the Twin Cities, and one longtime favorite is making a move from St. Louis Park to Edina.
Gathered Goods Company
The latest storefront to open in Excelsior combines a traditional boutique model with a DIY workshop and event space. Gathered Goods Company was founded by Nicole Lemmerman and Tara Thorn, founders of kids’ accessories brand Oscar & Olivia and fair-trade goods company Cedar & Cypress Designs, respectively. Thorn recently moved to Minnesota after spending five years in Haiti, where her line of artisanal jewelry, leather goods, home goods, and accessories is crafted. In addition to their own products, the duo have stocked the store with goods from more than 20 Minnesota artisans spanning women’s clothing, kids’ and baby, gifts, accessories, and home goods. Shoppers can also try their hand at a series of weekly DIY workshops at the shop’s craft bar or book a private crafting event; check the calendar of events for upcoming classes. (Bonus: This Friday, June 2, the store is hosting a first Friday sale, where customers can receive 50 percent off a second, full-price item of equal or lower price.)
Now open. Hours: Tuesdays-Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Closed Sundays & Mondays) @ Tonka Bay Shopping Center, 5619 Manitou Rd., Excelsior, 952-607-5943, gatheredgoodscompany.com
Gathered Goods Company (courtesy Gathered Goods)
Homespun Decor & Gifts
A new gift and home decor store has arrived in the Nokomis neighborhood of Minneapolis. Founded by Ben Cooney and Jill Hayes, the husband-and-wife team behind artisan home goods line Lucid Wood, Homespun Decor & Gifts spotlights handcrafted goods by more than 75 Minnesota artists and makers. The store’s unique offerings include paint-dipped cement candles, handcrafted soaps and balms, hand-dyed scarves, stone-bead bracelets, and quirky wood bowties. Everything in the cozy store has a handcrafted feel, down to its checkout counter made of corrugated steel and rustic woodwork, and the driftwood that functions as jewelry displays.
Now open. Hours: Wednesdays-Thursdays from 2-7 p.m., Fridays from noon-6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) @ 5006 34th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-296-7371, homespunmn.com
Skincare at Homespun Decor & Gifts (courtesy Homespun)
Bean + Ro:
Formerly known as Grand Frames, custom custom gift and stationery boutique Bean + Ro is on the move. The new, larger storefront at 45th and France in Edina will better accommodate the longtime Excelsior Boulevard shop’s growing apparel selection as well as an expanded selection of home and gift items from brands such as Yeti Coolers, Scout bags, and S’well bottles. Owners Elissa Bean, Katie Miller, and Sarah Hanlon have scoured the country to stock the store with clothing, jewelry, home goods, and gift items from established and up-and-coming brands, as well as local makers and vintage goods.
Bean + Ro’s custom stationery shop, The Paper Soirée, will come along for the ride, with brands including Bella Figura, Haute Papier, Kramer Drive, Carlson Craft, Lilly Pulitzer, and Crane. The shop’s in-house family photography studio, Little Bean Photography, will also open within the new site, while Bean + Ro’s custom framing services will now be handled by Callahan Framing Co., whose second location will share an entrance with the store.
Bean + Ro opens its doors on Thursday, June 1, with a grand opening celebration slated for Sunday, June 25. Hours: Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed Sundays) @ 4528 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-303-3411, beanandro.com
Gifts at Bean + Ro (courtesy Bean + Ro)
