Shops With Staying Power

Tara Larson
Manager, Roam

What’s to Love: A boutique-style resource for those living a modern-design–infused lifestyle.

Retail is a risk. It’s also filled with opportunity. We have access to great furniture, art, kitchens, and plumbing fixtures. But we’ve been on a roller coaster when it comes to a source for a classic modern design lifestyle shop that includes home accessories, tablewares, and gifts. Roam manager and buyer Tara Larson knew there was a need for the European–inspired Roam. With a degree in interior design and more than seventeen years of retail and design experience (including eight at adjacent sister store and internationally known furniture maker Ligne Roset), she’s worked with clients and customers who wanted more. In preparation for the December 2007 opening, Larson and Minneapolis–based owners John and Susan Stedman sourced merchandise from Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, and France, as well as local manufacturers such as Blu Dot. Larson says that while Ligne Roset sets the standard for modern home furnishings, Roam brings a fresh eye on design with pieces that can blend alongside all décor styles—and prices that make it accessible to a greater audience. 813 Glenwood Ave., Mpls., 612-377-6465

Lynne Gonsior

Co-owner, Über Baby, Expecting Über Baby, and Über Outlet

What’s to Love: You may not want your kids to have an attitude, but that doesn’t mean their wardrobe can’t.

Pregnant with their second child, Lynne Gonsior and husband Dan went shopping for nursery gear only to discover that few local retailers were capturing trends in baby and maternity. Actually, few retailers at the time were even focused on the hottest accessory of the moment (according to such mags as People and USWeekly): a baby. So the couple took matters into their own hands and opened hip boutique Über Baby in fall 2004. Gonsior’s past retail experience (including stints at Marshall Fields, Target, and ShopNBC) allowed her to hit the ground running, identifying the freshest and edgiest products for baby—trend-forward baby apparel from LA, diaper bags, strollers, and the latest in accessories and gear. The mix proved a success and eventually prompted the addition of maternity shop Expecting Über Baby two years later. A move shortly after that to chic Galleria placed their concept into the laps of fashion-forward moms. And the Über name continues to spread with this year’s opening of discount store Über Outlet, which sells not only their inventory but also post-season wares from fellow Galleria merchants and others. Watch for a private-label line that’s in the works. Galleria, 612-869-0930; 6021 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-869-0930

Anthony Andler
Owner, Heimie’s Haberdashery

What’s to Love: A dedicated point of view that is a full-service men’s store reflective of a bygone era.

Like the original Heimie’s in downtown St. Paul—founded by Anthony Andler’s great-grandfather in 1921—four-year-old Heimie’s Haberdashery stocks classic, custom-fit menswear, including dress shirts, ready-made suits, ties, fedoras, cufflinks, and leather goods from fine designers. In fact, stepping inside Andler’s clothier is like stepping back in time—rich walnut woodwork and brass rails showcase the neatly set merchandise, while music from a past era plays overhead. A vested staff—well versed in the topic of menswear—is on hand to assist the customer’s every need. Tailoring, alteration, and customized services are available, and there’s even an old-fashioned shave parlor and barbershop in back. 400 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-2354

Megan Tamte
Founder, Hot Mama

What’s to Love: Her store proves that necessity is the mother of invention.

As a former teacher and a hip, young mom, Megan Tamte sought to create a store where women could shop contemporary, trend-driven clothing that was appropriate for moms and moms-to-be. But the success isn’t just about the more than 100 handpicked designers in the store (including True Religion, Trina Turk, Velvet, Free People, and LA Made), there is a play area for small children, there are animal crackers, and the staff members are all moms—so they know how to preoccupy a half-pint while mom is trying on her fifth pair of jeans. Tamte and her team also realize that tending to Mom is just half the equation. Their customer is also a woman who needs clothes that work with her changing body, and personalized help that understands that it may take a little handholding to help Mom get her groove back. Since opening at 50th & France in fall 2004, Hot Mama has grown from one storefront to nine, including out-of-state locations in Chicago, Michigan, and Colorado. Five more (including two in the TC) will open over the next year. Edina, 952-746-8255; Grand Ave., 651-209-0222; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-416-5100; Wayzata, 952-224-9985

Kathryn Paulsrud
Owner, Bumbershute

What’s to Love: High fashion. A chic setting. Locally owned.

You’d never know it, but Bumbershute began in 1970 as a quaint Fargo shop run by Kathryn Paulsrud’s mother, Jennifer Paulsrud. Eventually, it relocated to Wayzata, where it transformed into a go-to shop for high-quality women’s attire. Paulsrud took the helm in 2003, inserting her youthful perspective and New York City know-how (she’d just returned from life in Manhattan as a model and student), and five years later she continues to perfect the family business. Bumbershute’s sleek new 50th & France space sings of her influence—mod white walls and high-gloss floors offer a sophisticated setting for racks of high-fashion women’s apparel from of-the-moment designers, including M Missoni, D&G, Alice + Olivia, and Just Cavalli. Plus, equally fashionable eyewear and handbags from Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. 5014 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-475-2684

Hayley Bush
Owner, Lula

What’s to Love: An edited eye with a passion for vintage clothing and accessories.

For her sixteen-year-old St. Paul shop, Hayley Bush brings in only the highest-quality vintage pieces—primarily dresses, but also coats, handbags, and accessories—that can be incorporated into modern wardrobes. Tell Hayley what you’re searching for and she’ll have five or six mint-condition pieces lined up next to your fitting room in minutes. Even if you’re not a vintage shopper, fashion lovers should give Lula a try. Although merchandise spans the 1940s to 1970s, much of it speaks to today’s trends and the rest is simply timeless. 1587 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-4110

Scott Endres
Co-owner, Tangletown Gardens

What’s to Love: This store proves you can continuously offer a fresh take on gardening.

Scott Endres, self-proclaimed “farm boy” (he grew up farming in rural Dakota County), is doing exactly what he loves and knows best. The destination garden center he owns with fellow U of M Environmental Horticulture alum Dean Engelmann opened in April 2003, bringing a whole new spectrum of outdoor—and indoor—beauty to the urban metro. Two quaint and cozy city lots display layers of lush vegetation—many of which are grown at a nearby farm. With a rotating inventory of more than 3,000 perennial varieties, an array of annual and heirloom vegetables, unusual shrubs, and trees, Tangletown showcases a more diverse selection than any garden center in the Midwest. Sprinkled throughout are tasteful pieces of garden art, fountains, and statuaries. Endres encourages customers to linger in the tranquil gardens in order to garner inspiration and ideas for their own urban spaces. And that’s just the outdoor inventory. Within their store is a divine mix of indoor and outdoor garden-inspired décor, jewelry, books, and gifts that range from the traditional to contemporary. 5353 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-822-4769