Think local during shop hop

Looking for the perfect gift? From whimsical birdhouses and stylish purses to Finnish crystal and handmade jewelry, it can be found in your hometown. Five local businesses are opening their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for a Hometown Holiday Shop Hop.

“There are so many little shops in Superior people are not even aware of,” said Melanie Sikveland, cashier/receptionist at Campbell Lumber, 3107 Tower Ave. The event, which features The Old Hutch at Campbell’s, is an opportunity for people to find a few of these unique stores.

“It’s fun to have people come in, browse and see what we have,” said Marie Chavez, owner of Utopia Salon and Spa, 1601 Tower Ave.

The full service beauty shop will have a storewide sale Saturday along with prizes, chair massages and complimentary paraffin dips. The shop’s popular Bare Minerals products will be available, as well as one-of-a-kind purses offered by Lucy’s Boutique, an in-store gift shop.

Pam Berg has been a Utopia customer since it opened five years ago.

“All the hairstylists are very friendly,” she said, and they provide excellent service.

A few blocks away, UpNorth Sundries is tucked into a corner of the Badger Building, 1225 Tower Ave. The shop, which specializes in sauna supplies and Scandinavian collectibles, was founded in 1992 in Chisholm. Three years ago, it was transplanted to Superior.

“It feels like we just opened,” said co-owner Rika Weiberg. The nearly hidden shop gets the majority of its customers through its website, www.upnorthsundries.com, and word of mouth.

“I’m just so excited about the event,” Weiberg said of the shop hop.

The work of 40 local artists is on display at Art in the Alley, 912 Hammond Ave.

“I’ll do every community event that goes my way,” said co-owner Tami LaPole Edmunds. “That’s how you grow a business.” As a shop hop special, customers will get a free necklace with a $25 purchase at Art in the Alley.

The Old Hutch and Celtic Moose Gift Shoppe, 5819 Tower Ave., both cater to the crafty customer.

“We want to bring attention to Campbell’s as more than a lumber yard,” Sikveland said. The Old Hutch opened in June, a small shop-within-a-shop that features whimsical items from 43 local crafters. Celtic Moose, a newcomer to Superior’s south end, carries items from 44 artists and crafters.

“The crafts are somewhat similar but complimentary,” Sikveland said.

The Hometown Holiday Shop Hop also features the culinary arts. Free samples of baked goods from Wednesday Bakery, Big Apple Bagel, Super One Foods and The Breakwater Restaurant will be offered at each of the sites – The Old Hutch, Utopia Salon and Spa, UpNorth Sundries, Art in the Alley and Celtic Moose Gift Shoppe.

Along with the free treats, each store is offering a door prize.

People who stop by each of the five stores can register for a grand prize drawing, featuring $25 gift certificates from each of the shops.

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