05/29/2026
Well--Looks like the Bridge construction will be over sooner where the lights still have a ways to go.,
Did it hurt business? Oh Yes; it hurt but not as much as the economy it self
When I first started it in 2023 in the location of my old bridal shop; Biscayne Bay Bridal Boutique I wanted to help crafter's have a year round retail space for their crafts. It was good at first but then others started up doing the same thing. In May of 24 we moved to our current location behind McDonald.s. The remodel was tough financially and of course you always hope you made the right decision.
The decision to move gave us the opportunity to see the outside weather and to park close to our doo9r because we always seem to be lugging something in or out. The building proved to be fair to heat and cool but space and lack of a dressing room were drawbacks.
Yankton and surrounding areas has some very talented artisans. The still do--they just are not all displaying their goods at Crafter's Emporium. Oh--don't get me wrong--we have some very talented crafter's that have become a staple to the store with continual repeat business. I occasionally do videos of the crafts in the store which leads me to believe the economy is the biggest draw back to business in general--the construction just another little draw back. Of course January to May have never been great but we have always done well with summer/tourists/ and fall and Christmas season of which I expect as much this year.
Oh yes--Hobby Lobby has been bitter sweet . I often had to find time to drive out of town to get certain materials and notions so having them a block away has been great. However they carry many cutesy-do-dads and craft looking items which hurts our craft vendors and ultimately the store itself. The difference is ours are Handmade made by a local artist not mass produced.
The bottom line is we are still here with some fabulous staple artists. Of course having a few more would be fabulous--especially with erring's and other jewelry, pottery. stain glass, candles, 3D printed items, re-purposed furniture items--especially those acrylic table tops with interesting things embedded. I would like to have florals and wreaths that are seasonally correct.
If you know a crafter or artist that is tired of the work that goes into packing and unpacking to attend vendor fairs--send them our way. We are offering a 3 month discount until September which is 33 % off the regular booth fee. Of course; advertising your products and where they can be found is still 90% up to the vendor themselves.
As always, we still do lots alterations, quilt repair and long arm services . We also offer beginning sewing classes, beginning quilting classes and have been known to take on some very interesting custom projects. We also have a vendor that does custom embroidery and one that will customize wood works. I, Trinity replace zippers, do formal alterations and make all types of custom panel quilts--especially for the 250 year celebrations and Sturgis Bike Rally--these quilts can be custom embroidered with a name and event as well as be ordered in a custom size from our standard 60X80. The standard size quilt for these events and Dignity, Chamberlain, SD Is $395 of which we can customize and ship There is also the limited edition (45) Farms and Barns of South Dakota of which there will only ever be 45 made; Instore4 price $750.
Bring in Your quilts to be long armed, bring in your alterations. Come join our classes on 1st and 3rd Saturdays or sew In social events on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Come in and look around and just see what we are all about. If your a crafter--Now is a good time to be here when vendor booth is 33% of for June-July and August.
