“Pierre is a very wholesome, giving community,” said Miranda Panzer, tourism director for the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce.
As folks begin shopping for holiday gifts, Panzer encourages trying out some of the shops downtown for a personal and rewarding experience.
“Visitors are always looking for something to do, and if they get an opportunity to have a great conversation with a store owner or to purchase something specific to our area, that will be a great memory for them to take home to share with friends and family,” shared Panzer.
The tourism director helped pick out a few must-stops for 605’s visit to the capital city—some older, some newer, but all that value being a part of the local economy.
“Their dedication to our community and the downtown area is greatly appreciated,” said Panzer.
For clothing and accessories, décor, gifts, jewelry, and more, try The Alley VIP.
Originally opening as The Alley Exchange in 2014, owner April Stromer took over in 2019, but the business relocated several times before moving to 401 S. Pierre Street.
“We are huge promoters of all small businesses, especially those located in downtown Pierre.”
-April Stromer, The Alley VIP
Re-opening in July of 2023, Stromer explains the store is a hub for other small businesses to sell their products without having to be there.
“Our motto is, ‘If we work together, we can all succeed,’” said Stromer. “We are 100% into small businesses.”
The boutique owner jokes that receiving inventory feels like Christmas, because they order such an array of products that there is no way to pick a favorite item.
“We listen to our customers and try to carry what they ask for. We like to carry items our customers never knew they wanted or needed until they saw it in the store,” shared Stromer.
Making others feel good about themselves is important to Stromer, and she encourages people to step out of their comfort zone while shopping.
“We believe working together and supporting each other will make us all thrive,” said Stromer.
Next up is Capital City Florists Gifts & Boutique. Owners Todd and Rita Koenecke originally opened in Webster, but moved the business to Pierre in 1991 when their son was born.
“We’ve been successful because we move with the times and trends,” said Rita, who has been working in retail from a young age.
Todd also worked early on in his uncle’s grocery store. Between the two of them, the couple has many years of experience.
The Koeneckes say the store is a “one-stop shop.” In addition to being a full-service flower shop, the business carries plants, gourmet foods and candies, gourmet baskets, toiletries, home furnishings, cookware, kitchen accessories, women’s clothing, tuxedos, and children’s toys and accessories. Additionally, the stop is a Hallmark Gold Crown store.
“People have told me I could sell snow to an Eskimo,” laughed Rita, admitting that she gets her love of retail from her father.
GO FOR THE GOLD
The Koeneckes won 1st Place in the 2007 Midwest of Cannon Falls Retail Display Contest for a Christmas tree. The national award came with $2,500, a diamond bracelet, and a crown.
The couple both attended Hixon’s Professional School of Floral Design, and have since been accruing years of expertise putting together floral arrangements, baskets, decorating trees and centerpieces, and servicing weddings.
Over the years they have also won many different awards and honors for design, sales, tree decorating, and even best-fitting tuxedos.
As the Koeneckes have evolved with the current market and local demand, there has never been a dull moment.
“Every day you can be creative in a new area and use the knowledge you’ve obtained through the years,” shared the couple.
Just around the corner is a shop with another expert in her field: Tibbs Leatherworks.
Owner Linda Tibbs has been in business in different locations in the Pierre and Fort Pierre area for 45 years. Her comfort shoe store centers on finding the most high-quality shoes and orthotics that are good for customer’s fits.
Tibbs immediately noticed 605’s Alana Snyder’s need for a pair of flip flops with arch support, and fitted her with a pair of Reef sandals.
“What sets us apart is the personal attention I give to my customers,” said Tibbs.
“Pierre is such a special place with its locally-owned stores.” -Miranda Panzer, Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce
In the pursuit of foot and overall health, the store carries a variety of socks: wool, compression, and socks for special needs like diabetes and plantar fasciitis. Leather purses and accessories available for purchase also adorn the wall behind the front counter.
“All of the brands I carry are my favorite,” said Tibbs.
In stock are lines from Taos, Alegria, Dansko, Pikolinos, Sofft, Keen, Oboz, Naot, just to name a few.
Tibbs has a passion for ensuring that a shoe not only fits the customer’s preference, but also their comfort.
“I love to help people find the right shoe that fits their needs,” she said. “I love my customers!”
This winter, Pierre has a new event to look forward to: the Oahe Winter Festival.
“The festival is in its inaugural year, as we are looking to bring light to different events going on the weekend of December 6-7,” shared Panzer.
Kicking off the festival will be the 24th Annual Parade of Lights, followed by a variety of events on December 7: Breakfast with the Clauses, vendor shows, sleigh rides, and other downtown activities.
CALENDAR COUNTDOWN
24th Annual Parade of Lights // December 6 // 6 p.m.
Oahe Winter Festival // December 6 & 7
Christmas at the Capitol // November 21 – December 26
During this time, the chamber will be promoting a Livin’ Local campaign, encouraging community members to shop locally and support the town’s small businesses.
“It’s a great initiative for our businesses to really show the community what they have to offer, and why shopping locally can be a better choice than leaving the area,” said Panzer.
As you browse through the historic downtown this holiday season, you might just find exactly what she’s talking about.
