Sure, those big box retailers and websites like eBay and amazon.com have a place in your life. But when it comes to everyday shopping, there is a renewed focus on local, and keeping your hard-earned, well-spent dollars right in our community. National movements such as the Minneapolis-based 3/50 Project encourage shoppers to be conscious with their money and earmark just $50 a month to spend at three local businesses.
“Local, independent, brick-and-mortar shops make up the largest employer in the U.S.,” 3/50 founder Cinda Baxter says. “I hear all the time, ‘I’m so sorry that that restaurant closed!’ But when’s the last time you were there? Three years ago? When consumers spend money, they make a big difference in what happens locally.” So this month, we give a nod to a few of the local independent businesses that get it right.
FOOD & WINE
Fresh and Natural Foods
“Real” is the name of the game at Fresh and Natural foods, so if you came looking for anything resembling artificial colors and flavors—or products your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food—walk on. This independent grocery promotes healthy living and offers a myriad of organic products, as well as tons of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Not jazzed about eating meat that’s packed with hormones? Find all your grass-fed, free-range, fresh-caught and humane-certified meat and seafood here. The duo also makes an effort to bring lots of locally produced foods into the store, especially when it comes to super fresh produce. 4234 Lancaster Ln.; 763.559.0754; freshandnaturalfoods.com
CSAs & Farmers’ Markets
Consider going the direct route when it comes to getting your fruits, veggies and herbs this summer, and rest assured that your food didn’t have to travel half-way around the world to get to your plate. While it’s too late to participate fully this year, start planning so you can join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) next summer. There are countless local options that will all deliver a box of just-picked, “it’s that fresh,” produce to your door each week, so visit a site such as localharvest.org to pick one that’s right for you. Also check out Plymouth’s own weekly farmer’s market, chock full of local foods and wares, Wednesday nights this summer July 7–September 8 (read more on page XX). From 3 to 7 p.m.; Life Time Fitness parking lot, 3600 Plymouth Blvd.
Vinifera Wines and Ales
Support the local shop the next time you need to add a little spirit to your entertaining. Owned by local wine aficionados (son and father) Christian and Dave Nesheim, Vinifera offers a massive selection of extraordinary ales, liquors and wines, including many bottles from Minnesota suppliers. And best yet, the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle to fit any occasion. Both owners’ wives also work at the store, keeping this independent wine shop all in the family. 1400 County Rd. 101 N.; 763.473.0008; viniferawinesandales.com
HOME & DÉCOR
P.O.S.H. Warehouse
Looking to improve your home from the inside out? Local designer Susan Hoffman’s furniture and accessories store P.O.S.H. (stands for “property of Susan Hoffman”) is the perfect place to start, with a unique selection of all things, well, posh, from bed linens and rugs to wall art and serving pieces. If you should need a little help in picking the perfect home accessories, the shop offers complete interior design services through Hoffman’s company DESIGNS! The warehouse itself, however, is only open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, so don’t just stop in. 2800 Campus Dr. Ste. 180; 763.383.1221; susanhoffman.com
Buttercup Fields
This floral shop is so local, it’s run right out of the comfort of owner Jill Hules’s home. Since 2004, Hules has meticulously designed cost-effective and decadently gorgeous arrangements, all custom-made to suit the event and include personal elements specific to her clients’ tastes (think found objects, produce, nests, butterflies). Hules also frequently purchases from local growers, including Plymouth stalwart Len Busch, to use only the highest quality, fresh-picked, seasonal blooms. 612.751.3265; buttercupfields.com
All Seasons Wild Bird Store
Owning a bird feeder in the 1970s turned into big business for All Seasons Wild Bird Store father-and-son owners Al and Dave Netten, who grew that little hobby into a business after purchasing six metro-area stores, five of them being bird stores. Now they and their knowledgeable staff of “bird people” are fully devoted to helping you bring the wildlife into your backyard with a massive array of bird feeders, houses, baths and specialty food mixes. If you can’t make it into the store on a regular basis, sign up to have seed delivered to your house. 4759 S. County Rd. 101, Minnetonka; 952.935.5892; wildbirdstore.com
APPAREL & BEAUTY
Little Feet Childrens Shoes
The folks behind Little Feet Children’s Shoes know a lot about getting your little one started off on the right foot. Owner Carisa Fegers, along with mother Arlene Kielley and sister Cyndy Hansen who run the bright and colorful Minnetonka Ridge Square store, place a big emphasis on good old-fashioned full customer service and customized shoe fitting, so they make sure that your little one is getting the perfect shoe every time. The store is jam packed with kids’ shoe selections, including adorable pre-walking shoes for newborns by brands such as Pedipeds, Bobux, See Kai Run and seasonal summer items like patterned Hatley rain boots and functional Reef and Teva sandals. 12981 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka; 952.546.3188; littlefeetkids.com
Christopher J Salon
You can’t trust your tresses (or skin or nails, for that matter) with just anyone. Luckily, the staff behind the contemporary and chic, independently owned Christopher J Salon has the serious know-how and experience to create the perfect end result. Local salon veteran and owner John Jay Dupay has turned the hair dresser-y into a bit of a family affair, employing talented nail tech and daughter Amy McVay, nephew and stylist Christopher Miller and niece-in-law colorist Becky Higby. Always striving to be on the cutting-edge of the beauty world, the salon now offers the wildly popular Keratin Complex, which promises to keep hair straight and sleek even through these humid summer months. 2700 Annapolis Cir. N.; 763.404.8606; christopherjsalon.com
The Foursome
When The Foursome moved from Wayzata to Plymouth last spring, it brought along a handsome history of three generations of family ownership and an even more handsome selection of sophisticated-to-casual classic menswear. The gorgeous new digs house everything from custom suiting to men’s furnishings and shoes for everyone (women and kids, too), and best of all, offers an expert staff with a combined 460 years of experience. 3570 Vicksburg Ln.; 763.473.4667; thefoursome.com
New Reflections
For more than 30 years, New Reflections has been serving the communities of the western metro-area suburbs. Owner Diane Keller launched the flagship salon in Maple Grove before moving it to Plymouth 11 years ago, and then opened two other branches in Minnetonka and (back in) Maple Grove. These Aveda lifestyle, full service salon/spas offer all the requisite hair, nail and body treatment and pampering services, as well as new and trendy services like OPI Axxium gel nail lacquers (polish that last up to two weeks) and La-Brasiliana smoothing collagen treatments. The salons devote serious attention to guest care and to education for service providers, making sure all the service you’re receiving are cutting edge and catered to you. 3530 Vicksburg Ln. Ste. 400; 763.559.3185; newreflectionssalon.com
