Shabby in Sauk Rapids

There soon will be a new shop in Sauk Rapids, just across the Mississippi River from St. Cloud, in a great old store front. It is called Gypsy Lea's and will feature the same kind of shabby but chic furniture and accouterments that are in the Buffalo shops with its own distinctive features and flair. Gypsy Lea's will also operate on the occasional sale schedule that has been successful in Buffalo. The first sale is planned for the 2nd Thursday-Sunday in May. I had an opportunity to tour the space with the owner today. It looks great.

The carpenters were installing drywall, concrete ledges (like the popular concrete kitchen counters) were being formed, electrical boxes in the open ceiling girders were being laid out and rustic door casings were being planned for the ancient wood interior wall. The wood wall was an outside wall before a 1950's addition. It will be a beautiful feature stretching almost 50 feet across the back of the retail space. The total floor space, approximately 1700 square feet, is going to offer solid, but nailable, walls, high ceilings (with open girders for lots of hanging) and plenty of electric outlets for all those lamps that the shabbies love to use for accent.

I purchased 6 gigantic hanging church ceiling fixtures at a recent auction. They are going to be part of my contribution to the Grand Opening Sale. They will look fantastic hung from the girders.

I am certain that Gypsy Lea's is going to provide a great new shopping destination for Central Minnesota.

Mr. Flannery