Beginning Monday, 5/18, Governor Walz has allowed the Stay at Home order expire in Minnesota, replacing it with the Stay Safe MN order. That means retailers, from small boutiques to malls, are now allowed to be open for in-person shopping, as long as they have adopted and implemented a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan including social distancing guidelines for workers and customers, and allow no more than 50% of the establishment’s occupant capacity at any time.
5/21 UPDATE: Minneapolis Mayor Frey has announced that masks will now be required in all indoor public places, including retailers, in the city of Minneapolis.
Ergo Floral in St. Paul reopens for business this week with social distancing measures in place.
What that means:
Store associates and shoppers are encouraged (but not required) to wear gloves and cloth face coverings, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Different retailers have different rules, so be sure to check ahead of time if you have concerns.
Proactive cleaning protocols as recommended by the CDC, which include wiping down common areas and surfaces, such as door handles, shopping carts and baskets, keypads and register counters; register plexiglass shields, floor markers 6 feet from registers; and earlier closings, in order to provide adequate time for cleaning protocols. Safety and social distancing procedures will differ from store to store, so be sure to check with a store to find out what they’re doing to keep shoppers safe before going in.
At malls, touch-screen maps are turned off and common areas are closed. As of Monday, Rosedale Center, Ridgedale Center and Galleria in Edina will reopen; Mall of America will not open until June 1 (although several stores are offering curbside pickup—visit mallofamerica.com for a running list). Keep in mind that not all stores within the malls are reopening; visit their websites for a running list and updated hours.
However, many independent boutiques are planning on staying closed for the time being, offering shipping and curbside pickup instead. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases and deaths only continue to increase with dozens more fatalities reported over the weekend as the confirmed case count eclipsed 15,000.
Most stores that are open will continue offering curbside pickup and shipping, too. Walz said he expects to have a similar set of guidelines in place for bars, restaurants, salons and barbershops to allow those businesses to reopen June 1. That plan will be presented to the public no later than May 20.
Find a partial list of independent boutiques that will be reopening with social distancing guidelines this week below. But first:
VIRTUAL HAPPENINGS:
That being said, much of the action is still online. Here are the top virtual shopping happenings of the week:
MPLS Craft Market has gone virtual. The pop-up marketplace recently launched a digital marketplace featuring hundreds of handmade goods from dozens of local makers. Support small businesses from the comfort of your couch, at shop.mplscraftmarket.com. New items will be added daily.
Walker Art Center’s spring Jewelry & Accessory Makers Mart has gone virtual with more than a dozen makers including ROX Jewelry, Dottir Jewelry, Wazo Designs and Makwa Studio. The sale is now available to shop through June 14 at walkerart.org.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Mill City Farmers Market has discontinued its art market (of which I'm on the committee) for the season. Fortunately, you can still shop their curated group of makers with its new Digital Art Market. Each week, it will feature four to five local artisans each week on their blog, Instagram stories @mcfarmerskt and through a new digital art market email newsletter. You can find unique gifts, kitchenware and other handmade items. This week’s picks include Adam Gruetzmacher ceramics, Maat Mons bags and soft goods, Matthew Krousey Ceramics, Redcruiser illustrated stationery and home goods, and Vikse jewelry. View the blog and sign up for the newsletter at millcityfarmersmarket.org
Artesota presents “Looking Glass: An Instagram Live Art Market” beginning this weekend with limited-edition, handcrafted goods by top local makers like Runi Clay Studio, Mezamé Designs and Studio Ok Ok and more. Different makers will be featured throughout the sale’s run daily 5/22–5/30 via @artesota on Instagram.
Reserve your spot for the free replay of Queen Anna’s master class, “Style for Days: Defining Your Style,” taking place on Saturday, 5/23, at 11am. Sign up at the link on their Instagram account, @queenannaliving.
CLOSINGS:
russell + hazel: Due to the impact of COVID-19, the local stationery brand has made the decision to close its flagship store in the North Loop. Fortunately, you can now find their goods stocked across the street at MartinPatrick3 and online at russellandhazel.com.
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 running through May. The store will be open for a close-out sale beginning Monday at up to 75% off. Open this Monday–Wednesday plus Tuesday, 5/26 & Wednesday 5/27 from 10am–2pm. No more than 6 people are allowed in the store at a time, and masks are encouraged. 453 7th St W, St Paul
STORE REOPENINGS:
Architectural Antiques: The architectural salvage and antique store is now open Tuesdays–Saturdays from 11am–3pm and by appointment. You can also shop online with delivery and curbside pickup at www.archantiques.com, where you can receive 25% off your order. @ 1330 Quincy St NE, Mpls
Atelier957: Open during regular hours beginning Monday. Masks will required to shop, and gloves will be provided, and clothing will be disinfected after every fitting. Curbside pickup and online shopping available at atelier957.com. Plus, Save 20% off site-wide with code MemorialDaySale at checkout this weekend (ends 5/27). Private appointments available by calling 651-646-0111. @ 957 Grand Ave, St Paul
Blu Dot Outlet: Open Saturday 10am–4pm this weekend with safety protocols in place. Learn more at www.bludot.com/minneapolis-outlet. @ 1323 Tyler St NE, Mpls
Bluebird Boutique: Open noon–4pm and private appointments 9am–noon weekdays beginning Monday with social distancing and safety measures in place. (Weekends TBD.) Curbside pickup is also available. Call or text 952-322-0813 for appointments, or shop online at bluebirdboutique.com. @ 3909 W 50th St, Edina
Bumbershute: Opening Monday with social distancing and safety measures in place for regular hours. You can also shop online at bumbershute.com. @ 5014 France Ave S, Edina
Covered: Beginning Monday, the store will be open by appointment only (a $250+ purchase is required) with social distancing measures in place. You can also shop via their Instagram, @covereduptown, and by booking a virtual shopping appointment. Curbside pickup is available, plus free shipping on orders $150+. Learn more about their COVID-19 protocols and appointment shopping at shopcovered.com. @ 1201 Lagoon Ave, Mpls
Clarabel Vintage: The vintage and antique store has reopened with occupancy limit and disinfectants for shoppers to use. Curbside pickup is also available. Visit clarabelvintage.com for more info. @ 3018 W 50th St, Mpls
Covet Consign: The vintage furniture store will resume regular hours beginning Wednesday along with in-house vintage clothing vendors, Shop Country Club, Kollektiv and Neon Sky Vintage. Visit covetconsignanddesign.com for more info. @ 3736 Chicago Ave, Mpls
Dugo: The store is now open Monday–Saturday from 11am–4pm weekly with safety measures in place, and will offer masks, gloves and hand sanitizer for shoppers. The store is also offer curbside pickup and free shipping via dressupgoout.com. @ 3595 Galleria, Edina
Electric Fetus: The record and gift shop reopens Tuesday with new hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–6pm. They will allow a maximum of 10 customers n the store at a time, and both staff and customers will be required to wear masks. You can also shop online at electricfetus.com. @ 2000 S 4th Ave, Mpls
Ergo Floral: Opening beginning this week, Monday–Saturday from 10am–3pm with social distancing measures in place. Contactless curbside pickup and local delivery with orders $100+ are also available via ergofloral.com. @ 516 Selby Ave, St Paul
Filigree Jewelers: The fine jeweler is now open by appointment only with the hours Tuesday–Friday 11am–6pm and Saturday 11am–5pm. Masks will be required and provided to those who need one. Shop online or make an appointment at filigreejewelers.com. @ 210 N 2nd St #101, Mpls
Flirt Boutique: The luxury lingerie boutique is reopening by appointment only, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am–3pm, Thursday–Saturday 10am–6pm, through May. Shop online at flirt-boutique.com. @ 177 N Snelling Ave, St Paul
Everett & Charlie: The art gallery gift shop, which carries local favorite ROX Jewelry, is open with social distancing and safety measures in place. @ 2720 W 43rd St, Mpls
FindFurnish: The vintage home store has plans for reopening with limited public hours and by appointment beginning this weekend. Contact them to set up an appointment via findfurnish.com. @ 13 5th St NE, Mpls
The Fitting Room: Now open for private shopping appointments. Masks will be worn by staff and you are required to wear a mask in order to shop. Virtual appointments, curbside pickup, local delivery & free shipping are also available. DM for appointments @thefittingroommpls on Instagram. @ 316 W 38th St, Mpls
Gallery 360: The art gallery and gift shop is now open following CDC & state health guidelines with new hours: Thursdays 10am–8pm, Fridays & Saturdays 10am–6pm & Sundays noon–5pm. @ 3011 W 50th St, Mpls, gallery360mpls.com
Gray Home + Lifestyle: The home and lifestyle store (along with its in-house children’s boutique, pip & pal) reopens on Tuesday with updated hours and safety measures for in-store shopping, including only 4 customers in store at a time, contactless payment and face masks “appreciated.” New hours are Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–4pm and Sunday from noon–4pm. Curbside orders are still available and will be offered during store hours. Learn more at @grayhomeandlifestyle on Instagram. @ 264 Water St, Excelsior
Grethen House: Beginning Monday, the store’s two locations will be open with social distancing and safety measures in place. Shoppers are requested to wear masks to enter (required in the city of Minneapolis); a limited number of masks will be available for those without one. Plexiglass has been installed at counters for a safer checkout experience, and there will be limited capacity if needed to maintain social distancing requirements. Appointments are available by request Monday–Friday 9–11am. Curbside pickup is available but needs to be scheduled in advance. Email info@grethenhouse.com to schedule or for any questions. Shop online at grethenhouse.com, and save an extra 15% off your entire order including sale with code MEMORIAL15 (ends Monday at 11:59pm). @ 4930 France Ave S, Edina & 212 3rd Ave N, Mpls
Hunt & Gather: The antique store is back with safety guidelines in place Monday–Saturday from 10am–6pm and Sunday from noon–6pm. They ask that people shop solo, limit shopping time, maintain 6 feet, and wear a required mask. Shopping is still available via curbside pickup and shipping. Get more info at @huntandgathermpls on Instagram. @ 4944 Xerxes Ave S, Mpls
JB Hudson Jewelers: The jewelry store is now open with regular business hours, Monday–Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm. Curbside service will continue to be available. Learn more about their safety and social distancing measures at jbhudson.com/curbside. @ 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls
June Resale: June is planning a slow reopening: Starting Wed, May 20 through June 2, the store is scheduling appointments during limited hours for intentional shopping, allowing only two people at a time and requests customers shop alone. Staff will be wearing masks and customers must wear masks while in the shop, and they’re also providing disposable gloves and hand sanitizer, and sanitizing garments after try-ons. Buying will be by appointment only. Contact them at 622-354-3970, juneresale@gmail.com or DM for an appointment. Online and curbside pickup is still available. Visit @juneresale on Instagram for more info. @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls
Local Motion: The store reopens this weekend with new, limited hours: Fridays & Saturdays from 11am–6pm and Sundays from noon–5pm. They are limiting three customers in the store at a time and will have hand sanitizer available and are following CDC & state safety guidelines. Masks are required to shop. You can still shop online at localmotionboutique.com. @ 2813 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls
Lula Vintage Wear: The store is allowing five shoppers in at a time—face masks required. It will be open Tuesday–Sunday from 11am–6pm this week. You can also shop online at lulavintagemn.com or Instagram @lulavintagemn. @ 1587 Selby Ave, St Paul
MartinPatrick3: Open 10am–6pm daily. Appointments are encouraged, and curbside pickup is also available. @ 212 3rd Ave N, Mpls
My Sisters’ Closet: The consignment shop has resumed normal business hours with social distancing and safety measures in place, including face masks required by shoppers and staff and cashless transactions. No consignment is being accepted at this time. Visit their website mysistersclosetmn.com to learn more. @ 2741 Hennepin Ave, Mpls
Parc: Opening Monday with social distancing and safety measures in place Monday–Saturday noon–5pm & Sunday noon–4pm. Contactless curbside pickup available during store hours and online shopping at parcboutique.com. @ 212 N 2nd St #102, Mpls
Queen Anna: Open beginning Monday by appointment and for walk-ins, up to 10 people at a time. Masks are required to enter. Learn more about their safety protocols at https://www.queenanna.co/pages/covid-19-response. You can also use curbside pickup and shop online at queenanna.co or with their app. @ 109 N 2nd St, Mpls
Queenie & Pearl: Opening Monday from noon–6pm with a sidewalk sale full of discounted pieces. Also open this week Tuesday 4–7 and Wednesday–Sunday regular hours. Curbside pickup, virtual shopping and private appointments are also available via @queenieandpearlmn on Instagram. @ 5014 Xerxes Ave S, Mpls
Requisite: Now open with social distancing and safety measures in place, Monday–Saturday 11am–6pm and Sunday 11am–4pm. Curbside pickup, shipping and home delivery are still available. DM @requisitenorthloop for orders. @ 211 N Washington Ave, Mpls
Retro Wanderlust: The vintage furniture haven reopens this week with hours Thursday & Friday noon–4pm, Saturday & Sunday TBA, Get updates at @retrowanderlust on Instagram. @ 8 12th Ave S, Hopkins
Rewind Vintage: Reopens Wednesday with temporary store hours Wednesday–Sunday from 10am–5pm. Maximum capacity is 8 customers at a time, all customers must use hand sanitizer when entering the store, and masks required (will be available for purchase if you need one). Note fitting rooms are closed. Curbside pickup and shipping are also offered. For more info, visit rewindminneapolis.com @ 2852 Johnson St NE, Mpls
Roe Wolfe: Opening Monday with social distancing and safety measures in place, Monday–Saturday 11am–5pm. Private appointments available Mondays–Fridays 10–11am. Curbside pickup available by appointment. Shop online at roewolfe.com. @ 3175 Galleria, Edina
Serge and Jane: Opening Monday to shoppers two-at-a-time. Disposable gloves and hand sanitizer will be available. Curbside pickup and online shopping are available at sergeandjane.com. @ 4532 France Ave S, Edina
Scout Handsome Apparel & Gifts: The store reopens this weekend, Sunday–Friday from 11am–4pm, Saturday from 10am–4pm, Monday from 11am–4. They are limiting shoppers to 5 at a time, offering contactless payments and hand sanitizer. They will continue to offer curbside pickup during store hours. You can also shop online at https://www.scoutstp.com. Learn more about their safety measures at https://www.facebook.com/scoutstp. @ 327 7th St W, St Paul
Sophie Joe’s Emporium: As a final farewell, the store will hold a closeout sale through the end of May. The store will be open for a close-out sale beginning Monday at up to 75% off. Open this Monday–Wednesday plus Tuesday, 5/26 & Wednesday 5/27 from 10am–2pm. No more than 6 people are allowed in the store at a time, and masks are encouraged. 453 7th St W, St Paul
Spoils of Wear: Beginning Wednesday, the ethical fashion store will be open 10am–3pm daily with social distancing and safety measures in place. Curbside pickup and online shopping are also available at spoilsofwear.com.
Stephanie’s: Open by appointment only beginning Tuesday with safety measures in place. Book via stephaniesshop.com. @ 735 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul
OPENING NEXT WEEK:
Rock Paper Scissors Goods: The record and gift shop is opening at its new Whittier location beginning 5/27 with temporary store hours: Tuesday–Thursday from noon–4pm and Friday–Sunday from noon–5pm. They will limit guests to 4 at a time, and shoppers must wear masks. There will be hand sanitizer and other safety measures in place. They will continue curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping options, plus appointments for private in-store shopping. Learn more at rockpaperscissorsgoods.com. @ 2403 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls
OPENING JUNE 1:
Via’s Vintage: Will not open until June 1 for appointment-only shopping from noon–5pm daily with safety measures in place, but will begin accepting appointments beginning Monday. Book an appointment by sending a message via the store’s Instagram (@viasvintage) or Facebook pages. You can also shop virtually via its Instagram. @ 2408 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls
WHERE TO DONATE:
Have you done some spring cleaning and looking to donate your goods? Here are some places currently accepting donations:
The new Sidewalk Swap project was set up by a South Minneapolis resident to help keep clothes moving through the fashion ecosystem. The concept is simple: Bring a piece to swap in for every piece you take. Want to swap by can’t because of health or accessibility? They’ll pick some items out for you, drop them off at your door, and take any clothing donations you want to make, contact-free. Shoot them a DM or follow @sidewalkswap on Instagram for updates. Usually open daily, weather permitting.
While Arc’s Value Village is still closed for in-person shopping until further notice, they’re taking donations via contact-free drive-through open daily 10am–6pm at all of their locations (except Richfield, open 10am–4pm). They’ve been overwhelmed with donations, so to help winnow down their merchandise, you can set up a virtual styling appointment or window shop via their Instagram, @arcsvaluevillage. Visit arcsvaluevillage.org for donation guidelines and locations.
Bridging in Bloomington and Roseville provide furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. You can drop off without an appointment daily, and also offer home driveway/garage pickup for a $75 fee. Visit their website at bridging.org to learn more about what they do and don’t accept.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota accepts select home goods, clothing, tools, and more. Its drop boxes are currently closed, but you can schedule a pickup to donate. Learn more about what donations are accepted and to schedule a pickup at epilepsyfoundationmn.org.
Sharing and Caring Hands, which provides food, clothing, shelter, transportation assistance and medical and dental assistance, is accepting food, clothing, household items, car seats, strollers, diapers and wipes, toys, TVs, electronics, personal hygiene and vehicles. Drop off Monday–Thursday from 8am–4pm or Saturday & Saturday from 8am–noon. Learn more at sharingandcaringhands.org.
Hidden Treasures thrift store in St. Anthony is a nonprofit serving those in recovery and reentry by providing work and community. They're currently accepting clothing, housewares, jewelry, holiday decor, sporting goods and tools, Monday–Saturday from 10am–5pm, weather permitting. Check their Facebook page before you head out to make sure they're open for donations at facebook.com/HiddenTreasuresMN.
The MN Tool Library accepts power tools, professional grade equipment and hand tools in good working condition, less than 5 years old. See their wish list here. They are currently doing no-contact donations. To set up a time, connect with the Minneapolis location at 612-440-8665 or the St. Paul location at 651-644-1882.
Salvation Army is accepting clothing, furniture, household goods, electronics and vehicles. Learn more, find the nearest drop-off location or schedule a free pickup at satruck.org.
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.
Amani’s Fashions is offering $30 off any tunic or abaya through Friday, plus free shipping at amanisfashions.com.
A MANO Ceramics is offering free shipping on all orders over $75 at www.weshopamano.com with code SHIPPINGLOVE
Architectural Antiques is offering 20% off online at www.archantiques.com.
BlackBlue is offering 20% off sitewide with code SPRING2020 (some exclusions apply, all sales final) at blkblu.com.
California Closets Twin Cities locations are offering 25% off all Classic White Systems plus 0 down payments, 0 payments and 0% interest for 12 months. Start by scheduling a complimentary design consultation today. Ends 5/31. Learn more at californiaclosets.com/locations/twin-cities.
Duke Albert is offering free shipping and free same-day local delivery on all orders at dukealbert.com
Everyday People Clothing Exchange is offering free shipping and local delivery. Shop their Instagram @everydaypeople.
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.
Goldfine Jewelry has launched Mystery Boxes. Basically, they’re full of jewelry treasures valued at 50–60% more than the price of the box.. (aka free jewelry.) Perfect to treat yourself or give as a gift.
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.
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: Curb your anxiety and relax with 20% off CBD products from the local brand with code FEELGOOD20 at holisticpurity.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.
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 30% off with code SPRING30 (excludes sale items) at localmotionboutique.shop.
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. Plus, 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.
Pharmacie gift shop and menswear store is offering free shipping with code SOCIALDISTANCE via pharmaciempls.com.
Stephanie Lake Design: 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.
WAY the Label: Save 25% site-wide with code SHOPLOCAL plus free shipping at waythelabel.com.
Got a tip? Email me at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com!