Retailers are reacting to COVID-19 with special deals and gift card incentives, and pivoting their models to online, with virtual styling services, virtual style shows, curbside pickup and other new ways to shop. Here are this week’s top *virtual* style happenings:
Walker Art Center hosts a virtual edition of their Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart this weekend. Photo: Carina Lofgren for Walker Art Center.
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON HAPPENINGS
ONGOING:
MPLS Craft Market has gone virtual. This week, the pop-up marketplace launched its digital marketplace. Shop hundreds of handmade goods from dozens of local makers and support small businesses from the comfort of your couch, at shop.mplscraftmarket.com. New items will be added daily.
TUESDAY:
For its weekly Do Good Tuesday series, Larissa Loden Jewelry is partnering with Clothier Design Source’s mask-masking offshoot, Be Silly Project, and local brand Wild Isles Swim to donate a mask for every purchase of a Limited Design item. Shop at larissaloden.com.
The Golden Pearl Vintage is hosting a Best-of As-Is Story Sale. Expect mostly dresses, with some flaws, marked $25 and under. Look for more story sales to come later this week. Shop Tuesday on its Instagram @thegoldenpearlvintage.
WEDNESDAY:
Sophie Joe’s Emporium, the longtime, beloved West 7th antique consortium, is permanently shutting its doors, effective May 31. In a farewell email to customers, owner Tammy Larsen cites the “COVID-19 crisis and future economic uncertainty” as the reason for the closure. As a final farewell, the store will hold a closeout sale. Shop online at sophiejoesemporium.com using the “Our Shop” tab beginning today (new items will be added daily). Email sophiejoes@comcast.net or text 612-599-6271 with the item number, date and time for pickup to purchase, and pay via cash or Venmo. You can also window shop on a cash-and-carry basis. 453 7th St W, St Paul
Is your skin stressed? Does it need some TLC? Then tune in for “Does It Bring You Glow?”, a virtual event all about skincare presented by Some Great People. More specifically: Finding the right skincare regimen for your unique skin. Skin expert Suzanne St. James of 50th & France skincare clinic The Metropolitan will be sharing her scientific approach to all things skin—so you can learn what products to keep, what to throw and what to invest in to create a skincare regime that’s simple and effective. Tune in Wednesday from 5–6pm @themonfrance on Instagram.
THURSDAY:
West Bank thrift shop, Sisterhood MN, is bringing its annual spring fashion show to social media. The store focuses on sustainable fashion, environmentalism and the creativity of young people, and it doubles as a youth employment and training social enterprise. Proceeds from the store fund youth programs that support East-African girls and young women to teach them skills and provide a safe space. Watch Thursday at 3pm on Instagram or Facebook @sisterhoodmn.
FRIDAY:
Fashion stylist extraordinaire Christina Fortier is clearing out her stylist closet with a closet shopping auction, live on Facebook. The auction features styling pieces that have appeared in publications or photoshoots over the past decade. Minimum bids will start at $5, and you’ll have 5 minutes to bid before bids are called. Brands include Kate Spade, Vera Wang, Michael Hors, Missoni, Olivia Palmero, Armani Exchange and more. Friday from 6–8pm @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/910275096066273
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
The Walker Art Center’s spring Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart has gone virtual. Beginning Friday, Walker members can shop a 24-hour preview of the sale (and save 10%), which includes one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry and accessories from 24 artists. Then on Saturday, the sale opens to the public, with items available to shop through June 14. Makers include ROX Jewelry, Dottir Jewelry, Wazo Designs and Makwa Studio. walkerart.org.
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
The 25th annual Art-A-Whirl open studio crawl has moved online. Find artists by map location, studio building or medium, and browse over 800 artist profiles and shops with shipping and curbside pickup options. Plus, you can view art demos, virtual studio tours and musical performances, and order takeout or delivery from NE restaurants and breweries. The experience goes live on Friday at 5pm. Visit https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl for more.
ART-A-WHIRL HIGHLIGHTS:
✨Liz Pechacek Ceramics and EC Design Studio jewelry have some fun things up their sleeve, including some deals and limited-edition pieces. Follow along at @lizpechacek and @ecdesignstudio on Instagram.
✨Julie Meyers Handbags is offering new game-night gift packs that include a handcrafted leather zip pouch, available via curbside pickup. The maker is also donating 10% of all sales to Emerging Relief Fund for Artists during the pandemic and free shipping on orders over $50. Visit juliemeyerleathergoods.com to order.
✨Salted Artist pop-up gallery is making its debut with a virtual gallery during Art-A-Whirl at the Steller Connect space at Broadway and Central. Tune in at @thesaltedartist on Instagram.
SATURDAY:
This weekend marks opening day for the NE Farmers Market. But things are a bit different this year—new measures will be taken to help keep people and food safe. That means wearing a mask, no mingling, come solo, maintain a distance of six feet from others, no on-site consumption of food, and a no-touch policy of the products for sale. Preorders are also available. Saturday 9am–1pm @ 629 2nd St NE, Mpls. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/703858403474428/ for more info.
The Mill City Farmers Market is also back—albeit in a different form due to the COVID-19 outbreak (and sadly, without the artisan market). Because the State of Minnesota considers farmers markets essential grocery providers, the long-running market plans to remain open to serve the community and support its local farming partners every Saturday beginning this weekend through October, unless otherwise directed by officials. But this means shopping safely—there will be special social distancing guidelines in place that shoppers must follow. Be sure to visit the Mill City Farmers Market website before heading to the market at millcityfarmersmarket.org/covid-19.
SUNDAY:
Solo Vino's annual Rosé Tent Tasting goes virtual this Sunday. Owner Chuck Kanski and sommelier Jason Kallsen are doing the whole thing online. You can buy a case of wine if you want to taste along, or just tune in to watch Chuck, Jason and special guests talk about the wines and share rosé education. It costs $19 to join the tasting (register HERE) or $200 if you want to buy a case of wine to go with the tasting (purchase HERE).
CURBSIDE PICKUP:
Retail businesses and other non-critical businesses in Minnesota may begin offering curbside pickup as long as they take safety precautions until stores are allowed to reopen. Some retailers confirmed to begin curbside pickup include:
Galleria in Edina: Get curbside pickup from select stores, including local retailers Roe Wolfe, Pumpz, Melly, Allure Intimate Apparel and Ampersand, plus Free People, Williams-Sonoma and more. Visit galleriaedina.com for an updated list and map of pickup locations.
Idun: Select your pickup window during checkout and call the shop at 651-348-6104 when you arrive.
The Foundry Home Goods: Get curbside pickup 5–7pm daily. Visit thefoundryhomegoods.com and call the store at 612-333-8484 to order.
June Resale: Get curbside pickup and free shipping. Shop online at juneresale.com.
Mille: Curbside pickup is available on Fridays from 11am–3pm. Shop online at shopmille.com.
Idun: Select your pickup window during checkout and call the shop at 651-348-6104 when you arrive. Shop online at shopidun.com.
carousel + folk: Get curbside pickup every Friday from noon–4pm. Visit carouselandfolk.com to order.
MartinPatrick3 is open for curbside pickup and walk-ins, although appointments are encouraged. (They are able to be open because they sell furniture and thus are considered an “essential” business.)
Stephanie’s: Get curbside pickup Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30am–2:30pm, Wednesdays 11am–3pm & Saturdays 10am–3pm
Common Coast: Get curbside pickup plus free shipping on orders over $50. Visit shopcommoncoast.com and call 651-800-1835 to order.
Atelier957 has added curbside pickup, plus a new service called “Marina’s Box,” in which store owner Marina will curate a box just for you—and you only pay for what you keep. Call or email the store for the box service, and shop online at atelier957.com.
Wild Things Antiques in Uptown is offering curbside pickup plus curbside delivery on orders over $75. Shop online at wildthingsantiques.com and call 513-301-9604 to order.
Electric Fetus record store is starting curbside pickup Tuesday–Saturday from 11am–7pm. Orders can be placed by calling the store at 612-870-9300 or electricfetus.com.
Smith + Trade Mercantile in Stillwater is offering curbside pickup. Visit smithandtrade.com and call 651-342-2976 to order.
Tare Market, the eco-friendly, zero-waste food and health store, is open for business at its storefront, but is also offering curbide pickup daily plus free delivery on Fridays within 6 miles of the store and shopping for non-bulk items. Visit thetaremarket.com to learn how to order.
Parc: Offering curbside pickup Monday–Saturday from 12pm–3pm and free shipping at parcboutique.com.
Proper: Offering contactless curbside returns by appointment. Inquiries at hello@proper-shops.com. Shop at proper-shops.com and get free shipping until stores reopen.
Patina’s chain of eight Twin Cities stores have reopened for curbside pickup and shipping phone orders. To help with order placing, each location has personal shoppers available to answer any inquiries over the phone. Until the website is up and running, Patina is showcasing new products on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Items can be picked up curbside Monday-Saturday from 10am–8pm and Sunday 11am–5pm. View the full list of Patina stores and phone numbers at @patinastores and shop online at patinastores.com.
Von Maur and Altar’d State at Rosedale Center are offering curbside pickup. For Von Maur, visit vonmaur.com to see availability and call 763-204-6966 to order. For Altar’d State, call 651-564-4500 to place an order.
Mall of America is offering contact-free curbside pickup for select stores, including Nordstrom, Levi's, DSW and Free People. Visit mallofamerica.com/curbside for an updated list of stores and how-to.
Wondering if your favorite store is offering curbside pickup? Just give them a call or shoot them an email to find out.
Looking for help with your virtual shopping or not sure where to start? Enter The Virtualist, a new company that launches today that offers virtual styling appointments with locally owned boutiques. Founded by local fashion producer and stylist extraordinaire, Grant Whittaker, and Roe Wolfe owner Ashley Kilcher, the company was founded to "support brick and mortar and evolve retail into this new virtual way of life." The brand is launching with stores in Edina and plans to roll out to other neighborhoods. Learn more at www.thevirtualist.com and follow them at @thevirtualist on Instagram.
ENDING THIS WEEK:
Al’s Tailoring is offering 15% off all its handmade goods through Friday 5/15 at alstailoring.com with code FRANDZ
ONGOING DEALS:
1004 Designs is offering 75% off its Fall/Winter 2019 collection of hand-knit apparel and accessories with code STAYHOME at 1004designs.com, plus free shipping.
A MANO Ceramics is offering free shipping on all orders over $75 at www.weshopamano.com with code SHIPPINGLOVE
Atelier957 has new markdowns from 30 to 70% off at atelier957.com. Virtual styling sessions are also available.
Bluebird Boutique in Edina is offering 20% to 50% off everything online at bluebirdboutique.com (no code needed; discount added at checkout). It’s also running a gift card special: Get a $125 gift card for $100, $250 for $200, and $375 for $300.
Covered is offering free shipping. Shop on Instagram @covereduptown.
De Nova is offering 20% off its luxe robes (great for lounging around the house) with code BETTERTOGETHER at mydenova.com.
Duke Albert is offering free shipping and free same-day local delivery on all orders at dukealbert.com
dugo is offering an extra $25 credit when you buy a $100 gift card, available on their website at dressupgoout.com/collections/gift-card
The Fitting Room is offering a free $20 gift card for every $100 gift card purchase made online via thefittingroommpls.com. You can also make a virtual shopping appointment.
The Foundry Home Goods is offering 20% off Skagerak Denmark outdoor and indoor furniture through May (no code needed).
From Grasse with Love is offering 20% off all personal-size fragrances at grassewithlove.com.
Golden Age Design is offering free shipping on all orders (excludes furniture) at goldenagedesign.com.
Golden Rule is offering 25% off cards, pantry and sale items with code SPRINGCLEANING at shopgoldenrule.com. Plus, get $5 off your next purchase when you buy a print from the store’s “Wonders Never Cease” group show at shopgoldenrule.com/pages/wonders-never-cease.
Grethen House: Save 15% site-wide (including sale) now until they reopen at grethenhouse.com with code BRIGHTERDAYS at checkout.
Hackwith Design House is offering a 30% off promo code for its collection of sustainable shoes for Dr. Scholl's with code HACKWITH30FS at drschollsshoes.com. Plus, get free shipping on all orders at hackwithdesignhouse.com.
HOUSER, the North Loop fair-trade jewelry brand and gift shop, is donating 15% of all purchases to Second Harvest Heartland until further notice. Shop online at shophouser.com.
Hazel & Rose is offering free shipping on orders of $100+ at shophazelandrose.com. The ethical fashion store is also launching something special each day this week in partnership with Winsome Goods’s zero-waste project. Watch their Instagram story @shophazelandrose around noon every Wednesday for the next release.
Holistic Purity CBD is offering 20% off all CBD products from the local brand at holisticpurity.com with promo code CORONA
Idun in St. Paul is offering 20% off sitewide with code HJEM plus free shipping online at shopidun.com. (Exclusions apply.)
Jac & Violet jewelry is offering free shipping plus a free personalized card of your choice with all orders through 5/31 at jacandviolet.com.
Joeleen Torvick is offering 40% off her fall/winter 2019 collection at joeleentorvick.com. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Julia Elise skincare is donating 10% of sales from her spring self-care bundles to Open Arms Minnesota. Shop at juliaelise.com.
June Resale is loading up its online store and offering free shipping online at juneresale.com with code SOCIALDISTANCE
Kisa Boutique is offering free shipping on orders over $100 via its online store kisaboutique.com with code SHOPATHOME, plus Kisa Turkish towels on sale for $25 each.
Larissa Loden Jewelry has restocked her quarantine jewelry craft kits and is offering free shipping all month at larissaloden.com. Plus, shop new limited-edition designs every Thursday, and help give back on Do Good Tuesdays.
Local Motion Boutique is offering 50–80% off transitional pieces at localmotionboutique.shop. Plus, get $5 flat-rate shipping and personal delivery of orders over $500.
Mille is donating 10% of sales from a rotating selection of trunk shows in the coming weeks. Currently, 10% of sales from the Alex Mill Trunk Show will be donated to RAICES and 10% of sales from new Richer Poorer pieces will go to Frontline Responders. Plus, you can save an extra 25% off all sale items with code EXTRA20OFF at checkout at shopmille.com.
Neal Jewelry is offering free shipping plus 25% off ready-to-ship jewelry (excluding fine jewelry) with code BEWELL at nealjewelry.com.
Oktober Kissed is offering 40% off all orders at oktoberkissed.com with code STAYHOME plus free shipping.
Parc is offering free shipping and curbside pickup on all orders at parcboutique.com.
Pharmacie gift shop and menswear store is offering free shipping with code SOCIALDISTANCE via pharmaciempls.com.
Local online boutique Poppy Stella Rose is donating 20% of all purchases to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, whose mission is to end child abuse and neglect. Shop online at poppystellarose.com.
Proper is offering free shipping on all orders until they can reopen at proper-shops.com.
Now you can shop all of your favorite Queen Anna fashions directly from your phone. Download the Queen Anna Fashion app for iOS or Android and enjoy special savings for first-time customers, and take advantage of virtual styling services. Plus, get free shipping and free returns. Download the app here or shop online at queenanna.co.
Requisite is offering 20% off new spring arrivals through 5/17. (Cannot be combined with other offers.) Shop on Instagram @requisitenorthloop
Roe Wolfe is available for virtual shopping on social or FaceTime, and offering a special gift card promo until stores reopen: Get a $10 bonus on $50 gift cards, and $25 bonus on $100 gift cards. Plus, take advantage of free personal styling services and curbside pickup. Shop online at roewolfe.com.
Stephanie Lake Design is offering complimentary door-to-door delivery, free domestic shipping, and gift certificates in any amount, now offered at a buy one, get one 50% off discount. The jewelry designer is also offering VIP services including jewelry repair and customization for customer-owned jewelry. Shop online at www.stephanielakedesign.com.
Stephanie’s in St. Paul is offering 20% off site-wide until they can reopen their doors. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $150 with promo code FREESHIP. Shop online at stephaniesshop.com.
-wide and free shipping with code SHOPLOCAL at waythelabel.com.
Here are some other ways you can support our local small fashion businesses:
Shop online + virtually. Even if they don’t have an online store, many stores offer delivery (many offering free and same-day local delivery). Many shops and makers are also hosting virtual shopping events on their Instagram story. (More on those below.)
Buy a gift card to use later. This will help stores stay on their feet now, and you can wait to shop until it’s nicer outside.
Make a social post & leave positive reviews. Show your support and spread the love any way you can!
All salons and beauty studios will be closed until May 18. Support them by purchasing a gift card, booking your next appointment, and shopping products from their e-commerce stores.
Got something to add? Email me at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com!