This week in local style and shopping, Afro-Minnesotan fitness apparel brand, RuvaAfricWear opens its first store, at Mall of America, plus Via’s Vintage and True Ethic host store closing sales, and a new retail incubator launches at Keg & Case Market.
RuvaAfricWear opens it first store this week at the Mall of America
NEW THIS WEEK:
Now open: RuvaAfricWear at Mall of America
Founded by self-taught designer Sylvester Ndhlovu in 2015, RuvaAfricWear is known for its African-inspired fitness apparel that celebrates its African heritage through vibrant prints and everyday, functional clothing and accessories for men, women and children. RuvaAfricWear is opening its first storefront this week at the mall with a new Minnesota-themed print collection to nod to its home state. Ndhlovu says he hopes the store will will serve as a community gathering space; it will host free yoga and dance classes, storytelling and kids’ activities. A grand opening party is slated for Juneteenth, 6/19. Now open @ N138 North Garden (first floor), Bloomington, www.ruvaafricwear.com
Via’s Vintage Store Closing Sale
After 37 years, Via’s Vintage is closing its doors and moving to online only at the end of this month. Until then, owner Kellie Cameron is hosting a closing sale. Currently, you can save 25% on all regular-price merchandise. (Red and white sale tags are priced as-is.) Look for restocked sale racks as well as some home decor, fabric and drapes for sale. As for the future of Via’s, Cameron hasn’t ruled out having another storefront in the future, but for the time being, she’ll be focusing on vintage jewelry and accessories. Sale hours will generally be 10am–6pm daily; check www.instagram.com/viasvintage or call 612-374-3649 for updates.
THURSDAY:
True Ethic Closing Sale
The locally owned, fair-trade retailer is closing its Northrup King storefront and online shop. Head down on Thursday during the building’s First Thursday event for a one-night-only closing sale. Save on rugs, furniture, jewelry, decor and more from fair-trade artisans. Some items not included in the sale (makeup bags and artwork) will be transitioned to owner Laura Bergren’s next (yet-to-be-named) project. Thursday 5–8pm @ Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, Suite 238, Minneapolis, trueethic.com
Strey Collective Makers Mini-Series: Joeleen Torvick & J.Lux Jewelry Trunk Show
Head to local designer boutique, Strey Collective, for this series hosted in conjunction with Northrup King Building’s First Thursday open studio event. Tonight’s event features a trunk show highlighting the new spring collections from local apparel designer Joeleen Torvick and J.Lux Jewelry. Get styled by the designers, snap a pic and post it to your Instagram for the chance to win a signature piece from both designers. Thursday 5–9pm @ Strey Collective, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, Suite 179, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/streycollective
Brand Builders by KLC Official Launch Party at Keg & Case
Self-described as a “holistic consulting firm for mission-driven natural brands,” the Twin Cities–based Brand Builders by KLC has launched a new Retail Incubation Space within the Keg & Case Market in St. Paul. Each quarter, they’ll debut a new group of local startup brands with natural products, giving them the opportunity to build brand awareness and test their products at retail. Brands include Maazah Chutney, Harmony Cricket Farm, Steve the Hemp Guy, Nomadic Frankincense, Rich CBD Chocolate, Field Theory Hemp, The Grandpa Soap Company and more. The space will also host weekly live interviews and a “Shark Tank”-like pitch event every Thursday from 4–5:30pm beginning 6/10. The official launch party will include cocktails, giveaways, deals, and samples from brand founders. Thursday 4–7pm @ Keg & Case Market, 928 7th St W, St. Paul. Free RSVP at www.eventbrite.com
FRIDAY:
Minneapolis Craft Market: The Lab Night Market
After more than a year, Minneapolis Craft Market is back with its first event of the year. The Lab Night Market will take place outdoors at The Lab Brewery with 40 of Minnesota’s best makers selling handmade jewelry, decor, home goods and more. Masks are required, and other COVID safety protocols will be in place. You cal also shop 250 makers online at the Minneapolis Craft Market’s Digital Marketplace at shop.mplscraftmarket.com. To attend the event, register for free at www.eventbrite.com. Friday 7–10pm, rain or shine @ The Lab Brewery, 767 N Eustic St #115, St. Paul
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market
A summer mainstay since 2006, the market features over 120 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational outdoor marketplace. This weekend’s artisan highlights include Create Laser Arts laser-cut jewelry and goods, Crankosaurus Press printed goods, ArtAndes artisan-made rugs and textiles, and Fair Anita fair-trade jewelry and accessories. The Mill City Farmers Market is now open every Saturday through October with extended hours. Saturday from 8am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Greater Longfellow’s Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale 2021
It’s a major garage sale weekend in Minneapolis, thanks to this event hosted by Greater Longfellow neighborhoods (Cooper, Hiawatha, Howe and Longfellow) along with seven other adjacent neighborhoods (Corcoran, Standish Ericsson, Minnehaha, Keewaydin, Wenonah and Morris Park) for one day of amazing deals. Get a free sales map including all participating neighborhoods at several local businesses including Fireroast Coffee & Wine, Milkweed Coffee and Turtle Bread. Longfellow outdoor gear/clothing repair and secondhand store, Repair Lair, will also be having a 25%-off sale all weekend. Starting at 9am in South Minneapolis, longfellow.org
Victory Neighborhood Garage Sale
This annual garage sale returns to the Victory neighborhood on the Northside of Minneapolis for one day of deals. There will be dozens of garage sales with art, plants, food, clothing, household goods, and more. Printed and online maps will be available. 8am–5pm @ Victory neighborhood, Minneapolis; learn more at victoryneighborhood.org.
Summer MRKT at Utepils Brewing
Summer MRKT is an outdoor marketplace featuring local art, clothing, handmade jewelry, gifts and more. Featured vendors include Lauren Strom Art, Art by Tim Chapman, Live Art by Barret Lee, Side Hustle Salt, 2 Dads Bloody Mary Mix, Hive Apparel, Mya Lambrecht Jewelry, Statement Boutique, Threadfinds MPLS, Creative MPLS, Caydence Records & Coffee and Roseline’s Candles, plus Food by Soul Fu. Free. Saturday noon–6pm @ Utepils Brewing Co, 225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, facebook.com
The Fitting Room Grand Re-opening Party
Since The Fitting Room opened in 2018, it has been about local designers, curated to perfection by Kimberly Jurek-Valanzasca (a local designer herself). Now, The Fitting Room has graduated into a larger space right next door. The store carries handmade goods exclusively from local apparel and accessories designers, including Joeleen Torvick, Scott J Lehmann and Jurek-Valanzaca’s own Alma Mia. They'll celebrate with a free grand opening event featuring live music, a sidewalk fashion show with latest collections from all of its makers, and some surprises. Free. Saturday from noon–5pm @ 318 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
GeekCraft Expo Twin Cities 2021
Founded in 2016 by the husband-and-wife team of comic book writer Daniel Way (Deadpool, Wolverine, The Incredible Hulk, et al) and former Ubisoft community manager Kimberly Matsuzaki, GeekCraft Expo is a collection of curated, geek-themed handmade markets held throughout the year in multiple cities located across the United States. Created by nerds, for nerds, GeekCraft Expo is a showcase for handmade geeky goods by local crafters and makers, including local favorite Kari Lee Art. Saturday 10am–5pm & Sunday 10am–4pm @ Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. Get tickets (only $2) @ www.geekcraftexpo.com
SUNDAY:
Minneapolis Vintage Market (SOLD OUT)
After a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19, the Minneapolis Vintage Market is back! Head to The Lab Minnesota brewery in Prospect Park’s outdoor space where you can shop 40 of the best vintage vendors in the Twin Cities—including my new brand, Rosella Vintage! Note: Tickets have sold out, but look forward to a new market every month. Sunday 11am–5pm @ The Lab Brewery, 767 N Eustic St #115, St. Paul, mplsvintagemarket.com
FLEA MARKETS:
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Wright County Swappers Meet
The WCSM is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven, MN. This large outdoor market features 150-250 vendors on an average weekend with 300+ vendors holiday weekends. Open every Saturday, April through October, plus Fridays–Sundays on Holiday weekends (Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July weekend and Labor Day weekend). Hours: 6am–1:30pm, weather dependent. @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, www.facebook.com/AnnandaleFleaMarket
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Wadena Flea & Craft Market
This seasonal indoor and outdoor market has four buildings filled with unique finds. It’s filled with vendors selling everything you can think of including farm fresh produce, toys and games, antiques, apparel, home decor, glassware and more. Open Saturdays & Sundays every weekend through September, plus Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am–5pm @ 13560 US Highway 10, Wadena, www.wadenafleamarket.com
Shady Hollow Flea Market
Kicking off this weekend, the Shady Hollow Flea Market has been going strong for 52 years across 3.5 acres of shaded, grassy grounds just 5 miles south of Detroit Lakes. Every weekend, as many as 125 vendors from throughout the trig-state area will showcase their wares with different offerings each weekend, from fine collectibles and jewelry to sports equipment, tools and collectibles. Open every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend from 6:30am–3pm, plus every Saturday in September @ 12673 Co Hwy 17, Detroit Lakes, shadyhollowfleamarket.com
SUNDAY:
Hamel Lions Club Flea Market
The Hamel Lions Flea Market touts 200 or so vendors and for the most part, not of the overstock-tube-sock-selling variety. Yes, we did see a vendor selling off brand laundry detergent and air freshener products, but the majority were selling used or repurposed items from decades past. Open Sundays weekly through 9/26 from 6am–noon (closed 7/11, 8/1, 8/8) @ Medina Entertainment Center, www.hamellions.org/flea-market
CONTINUING:
Billy Reid opens at Nolan Mains
Billy Reid, an Alabama-based men’s and women’s apparel brand, has just opened its first Minnesota store location this week at Nolan Mains at 50th & France. The designer, who has described his clothing as “lived-in luxury” and "broken-in luxury,” is known for his classic styles in high-quality fabrics, expertly crafted clothing with unique details and a Southern influence. The 1,800-square-foot store will sell men’s and women’s apparel along with premium-leather goods by Moore & Giles, a luxury heritage leather goods manufacturer based in Virginia. Opening Thursday @ Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St, Edina, www.billyreid.com
Winsome Goods Closing
After an impressive 7-year run, local, sustainable apparel brand Winsome Goods announced Wednesday it will be shuttering its apparel business, including both its e-commerce site and its standalone Store + Studio in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. They will take visits by appointment until the sample sale, and you can also shop online. The brand’s run culminates with a big sample sale running June 25–27 (details to come). Learn more about the closing on my blog. Shop now @ winsomegoods.com
Now open: Leo Footwear
Two neighboring Selby & Snelling shop owners have come together to found a new shoe boutique with a sustainable focus. Leo Footwear was the brainchild of Kristie Case of Teeny Bee Boutique/Peregrine Kidswear, and Jill Erickson of women’s sustainable fashion shop, Spoils of Wear. The new footwear shop is located just a couple of storefronts down from Teeny Bee and features Brooklyn-based shoemakers Stivali and the Spanish artisan–made Pons Arvacas. You can also shop the store online. Now open @ 1554 Selby Ave, St Paul, leofootwearstpaul.com. For updates and hours, follow @leofootwearstpaul on Instagram.
Now open: Bread. A Unique Pop-up Market
What began as a holiday pop-up market over the holidays is returning to Maplewood Mall as a more permanent fixture. Created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene as a shared opportunity to help small businesses market and scale their businesses, Bread features a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers, including Marsha’s son’s brand, Ice Cream Bow Ties. For Thursday’s grand reopening, the store’s brands will be joined by Maplewood Mayor Abrams, MN State Rep. John Thompson and St. Paul City Council member Nelsie Yang, and there will be raffles and refreshments. Hours: Monday–Friday from 12–7pm and Sunday from 12–6pm @ Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Now open: Community Commons at Mall of America: Last fall, the Mall of America debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Following its first run, the store has reopened with a fresh mix of local businesses owned by people of color. New vendors include Arway Bags, clothing brand Love Disorder, Bogaballoons, Silk Road Wellness, LEVELS apparel and more. The storefront is also acting as a launching pad for some brands—Herbal Alchemy, a former Community Commons vendor, has just opened its own storefront. Community Commons is now open at Level 2, South, Mall of America, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
On view: Papier at American Swedish Institute
A juncture between art and fashion, Papier is an international touring exhibition showcasing artist-designer Bea Szenfeld’s striking paper couture—dresses and other sculptural fashion items made entirely from paper and worn by such pop icons as Lady Gaga and Björk—united with artist-author Stina Wirsén’s evocative and colorful illustrations. Papier has made its Midwest debut at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis (in one of only two U.S. stagings). Get a first look and read more about my visit to the exhibit on my blog. On view through July 11. Hours are Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm; advance, timed reservations are required to visit the museum and can be made at www.ASImn.org or by calling 612-871-4907 during museum hours.
Now open: LEGACY
After designer resale shop June announced its move to 50th & France, we wondered what was coming to its former storefront near Lyndale & Lake in Uptown. The secret’s now out: The storefront is now home to LEGACY, a vintage clothing and home shop run by June owner Daune Stinson’s daughter, Ruby, who recently moved back home from NYC after over a decade working in the fashion and retail industry. June’s little sister store features a fresh, more casual mix of brands, more vintage goods, and a lower price-point than June, similar to that of most vintage stores. Now open. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11am–5pm @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-545-7470, instagram.com/shoplegacystore
Now open: Dugo & Scout at Nolan Mains
Dugo, the locally owned, special-occasion retailer that recently closed its longtime Galleria storefront, has set up shop at the new Nolan Mains development at 50th & France with a tighter, more focused selection of dresses and evening separates and accessories. St. Paul maker-oriented, queer-owned men’s and gift store Scout also opened a second location at Nolan Mains. Now open @ 3919 Market St, Edina, dressupgoout.com, scoutstp.com
Check out my new Minnesota Vintage Directory, a curated listing of vintage stores and online sellers across the state for both clothing and home.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to jahna.peloquin@gmail.com