It all started with an 1890s storefront, some old printer tables found in the basement, a set of vintage library cabinets and a couple of steer heads.
A new brick-and-mortar storefront, The Local, will be hosting its grand opening Thursday in historic downtown Dell Rapids.
The exterior-covered Sioux Quartzite storefront, at 503 E. 4th St., was built in the late 1890s and started as a post office, according to the National Register of Historic Places . Sioux Quartzite was, of course, first mined in Dell Rapids and used to build many historic structures in the area.
The building was constructed by none other than Wallace Dow , “the Builder on the Prairie” and primer architect for six historic buildings in Dell Rapids, as well as others in downtown Sioux Falls, including the Old Courthouse Museum , according to the City of Dell Rapids’ website .
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What’s in a name?
The 1,800-square-foot space is in the name, “The Local.” Various small business artisans and makers in the area will sell their homemade goods, including soaps, candles, jewelry, artwork, clothing and more. Everything will be displayed in an array throughout the store, rather than the more common “booth style” approach.
Chris Reiff and Alice McGinnis said The Local will be an “in-person only shopping experience,” reverting back to the organic and “true small-town vibe” window-shopping method, where customers can “touch and feel the creation of local makers’ items.”
“Knowing you are supporting a small business is what we strive for,” the business partners said via an email statement.
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Another perk is that “almost everything” can be custom-made to order, making each piece truly one of a kind.
Reiff and McGinnis are also co-owners of The Shoppe , next door to the new The Local. Opening in 2019, the store sells refurbished furniture and home decor in what used to be the First National Bank building in downtown Dell Rapids. But Reiff and McGinnis also saw the potential in the space next door.
Both originally from small towns in Minnesota, Reiff and McGinnis said opening the store was a dream years in the making.
Reiff moved to Sioux Falls in 1996 and worked for Sanford Health Plan as the Operations Manager for 20 years prior to leaving in 2016. She then spent the next few years working for a custom homebuilder until opening The Shoppe. She has since moved to the Lake Madison area.
McGinnis came to Sioux Falls after attending college at Black Hills State University. She worked in the dental industry for many years before moving to a more creative outlet with The Shoppe.
Both Reiff and McGinnis wanted to start a small-town business and Dell Rapids gave them that opportunity for The Shoppe and it was a halfway mark for the two from where they lived.
When they began contemplating a store concept for The Local, Dell Rapids was the only location they considered.
“Alice and I really had been talking for around two years about opening a store to give other makers like us that opportunity who don't have a place except for traveling around markets," Reiff said. "And so that's what we did."
It was one of those markets where Reiff and McGinnis found the initial spark of inspiration last year for the store in an old pair of decorative steer heads.
“We looked at each other and we bought one for $75,” laughed McGinnis.
The Local - Logo Story Back in October 2023 Chris and Alice found these steer heads while attending a flea market and...
Posted by The Local on Monday, June 24, 2024
The pair had the concept of “someday” on their minds for a store.
“We have always loved the historic building we were already in and the adjacent space was perfect for our idea for the store,” the two owners said via email.
A year later, Reiff and McGinnis finally approached their landlord about their concept for a store in that space. After being sold on the idea, their landlord helped bring it to life in the buildout, including incorporating the historical pieces used for displays.
Two of those pieces have literally many stories to tell as they were used as printing tables for a printing company in Garretson. The tables were brought up in pieces from the basement of the building, and their new owners assembled them back together, giving them a second chance at helping others express their creativity.
Another piece of history was brought back to life for the storefront, a set of library card catalog tables Reiff had in a storage unit three to four years prior.
“Every display has been refurbished, repurposed, found or has local historical significance, giving the store a throwback modern twist on the mercantile feel of a small-town business,” the owners stated via email.
And the two signature pieces that started it all, the steer heads, hang on a black accent wall with the store’s name and concept written between them: “The Local - made and found.”
Repurposing furniture isn’t a new concept for the owners with a combined total of 18 years of experience. That’s why the store will also carry Fusion Mineral Paint™ , an international paint brand based out of Ontario, Canada.
Customers can either DIY their own statement piece or consult Reiff and McGinnis to paint it for them.
In the near future, The Local will also offer classes led by the artists who sell their products in the store, or “makers.” These will include painting tips, candle pouring, cookie decorating, watercolor painting floral arrangements and more.
Reiff and McGinnis say they will gladly accept more makers as space allows and will be hosting a Maker of the Month to recognize and learn more about their small businesses.
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“Promoting small businesses is crucial as they play a significant role in the economy and a small community's success,” the owners said via email. “The Local is taking the role of supporting and promoting these small businesses and they are counting on us to assist with their success.”
The start of something new (and old)
Beginning at noon Thursday, The Local will open its doors to the public with a grand opening event , complete with a floral bar from Blooms by Bella and a variety of freshly-made sourdough bread, cookies and pretzels bites from Bourne Family Bakery .
Regular store hours will be noon to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Reiff and McGinnis say they are “extremely excited” to open the store where they can “share their love and passion of all things local.”
The owners say they hope the small business makers their hosting are able to grow by selling their works of art in other communities.
“The Local is named for just what it is: Local shopping, local makers, local support,” Reiff and McGinnis said via a joined email statement. “We are truly passionate about sharing the makers’ products and stories.”
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Dell Rapids small business opens storefront showcasing area ‘artists and makers’
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