Local treasure trove. Stop by the Chippewa Valley's many locally owned shops to find the perfect pieces to transform your living space into a home, including these five shops. (Photo by The Gilded Faun)
Transform your apartment or living space into a real home with furniture, art, decor and more. While big box stores may have rows and rows of merchandise, these locally owned and operated shops are packed with carefully curated, funky, beautiful items, some of which are handmade by people right here in the Chippewa Valley.
1. The Golden Faun
110 Main St. W, Suite 1A, Menomonie | Website
Though it's a little way off Menomonie's Main Street, walking into The Gilded Faun feels like stepping into a fantasy world that only exists in fiction novels. In addition to the enchanting floral arrangements you can browse and purchase, there are a variety of knick-knacks and goods around every corner, including locally made art and other goods and curiosities. At The Gilded Faun, you'll find candles, glassware, ceramics, stickers, stationery, suncatchers, cushions and more.
2. Group Attraction
16 W Columbia St., Chippewa Falls | Website
It's easy to lose track of time wandering around Collective Charm's dozens of vendor booths, unique merchandise, and vintage finds tucked around every corner – all part of the “charm” in the name. With over 60 merchants all in one place, it's actually pretty hard to leave. Without it Bringing something home is Expect it Take home some treasures! From paintings to posters, comic books, jewelry, furniture like dressers, kitchen tables and chairs, vintage jackets and clothing, lots of glassware, neon beer and alcohol signs, vinyl records and more, Collective Charm is a veritable treasure trove.
Geeks, unite: Of course, anyone can visit Geek Chic in Eau Claire, but geeks and vintage lovers will love it.
3. Geek Chic
930 Galloway St., Building 13, Suite 3, Eau Claire | Website
Geek Chic is a playful, vintage-inspired space located at No. 13 Bunbury Place. Its name perfectly describes the store's origins and what you'll find inside: all things geeky and chic. With a unique and multi-faceted product range, you'll find a ton of comics and memorabilia from Star Wars, Marvel, Star Trek, Funko Pop, Disney, and more. They also stock a wide range of vintage items, from clothing to plate sets, glassware, books, vinyl records, trinkets, board games, and much more. Take the time to wander around Geek Chic; you might just rekindle a childhood interest or indulge in some unique treasures.
4. The Ragged Man
215 N Barstow St., Eau Claire | Website
If you had to spend the rest of your life with a man, it'd be Raggedy Man. This downtown Eau Claire shop stocks beautiful finds and items that will shock and laugh, and has a wide variety of home goods for everyone. There are large plants and vintage-style posters rolled or hanging near the register, and lots of plants and pottery scattered around. Kitchen cloths (often with humorous and raunchy sayings), sundries, candles and bath products, rugs, and wall art fill the shelves. Plus, you'll be greeted by the store's furry friend, Kaya.
Welcome to The Local Store, where we stock local goods and items that inspire the Midwestern spirit. Stop by The Local Store for snacks to fill your fridge, art to decorate your walls, coffee table books, records, CDs and more.
5. Local Shops
205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire | Website
The brick building with its green awning is hard to miss, especially when you know there's endless merchandise waiting to be picked up and taken home. Filled to the ceiling, the store is filled with an eclectic mix of goods, from locally made pottery to wood carvings, books, art prints, and even graphic tees and baseball caps inspired by Chippewa Valley classics and sayings, including wind chimes, tapestries, and seasonal bicycles (yes, real bicycles). There's a children's section, cheese and meat coolers, a separate snack section, and an art gallery with prints and art of all kinds. Find your next wall hanging, mug, coffee table book, blanket, or glassware treasure on Dewey Street.
