After seeing how it was done, Lori Vos was ready to open up shop. Years before launching Loralei's Giftshoppe, Vos worked under several business owners, soaking up knowledge from each one. One of her mentors, John DeRooi, emphasized that she only has one chance to make a solid first impression.
And that she has! Her store is always brimming with beautiful seasonal displays and holiday decor, as well as fragrant soaps, tablecloths, ornaments, pillows, towels, and more. “Part of what I love about Loralei’s is getting uniquely different things,” says Vos. She sources her items from around the world, including soaps from France to candles from Osage, Iowa. “If you would like some Iowa-related items, we have plenty of towels and pillows in the back, too!”
Now 21 years in business with Loralei’s Giftshoppe, Vos says she couldn’t do it without her great helpers of employees. “I call them my elves,” she laughs. And with the support of her family, her store has become the blueprint of a fabulous downtown business.
“My husband told me, ‘If we never take the chance, we will never know what happens,’” recounts Vos. “My kids even pitched in at 8 to 10 years old. That’s probably why they don’t want to be in retail,” she laughs.
Since opening, she has learned from three great mentors, one of which was Chamber Ambassador Fran Conn. Before retiring, Conn was the savvy business guru behind Starnes TV & Appliance in Grinnell. “I just think the world of her,” says Vos.
But how does Vos decide what to put up in her store? Her employees bounce ideas off one another — keeping items seasonal and fresh. “I love fall — aren’t we all over winter?” joked Vos with the Chamber Ambassadors. “But really I do love all the seasons, and needless to say, I don’t do much decorating at home.” Her window is one to always stop for — her “elves” are always gathering ideas for her window decorations. “I’m off one day and when I come back, things are tweaked differently. The talents of everyone combined are amazing!”
Come visit Loralei’s for some holiday shopping! They offer complimentary gift wrapping for no extra charge. “One thing I want people to know about the store is that I want it to be an enjoyable shopping experience.” Their tagline? Fun, funky, and unique!
During Jingle Bell Holiday, Vos notes that the attendance was record-breaking. “This year, we were bursting at the seams,” she says. “Business is also its strongest during Small Business Saturday. I had someone even tell me, ‘I used to care about Black Friday deals, but now I’m here because I want to shop small.”
If you missed Loralei's Giftshoppe during Jingle Bell Holiday, not to worry! You can visit Loralei’s (816 Commercial St in Grinnell) during regular business hours, Mon.-Fri., 10 AM-5 PM and Saturdays, 9 AM-4 PM. Loralei’s is also planning to be open during the Chamber’s new Stop and Shop series happening in December. Make sure to stop and shop at her store after 5 PM on any or all of the following days: Dec. 5, 12. 18, or 19! Who knows? You might just find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
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