Richards' Relics and Radiant Rays Opens in Downtown Grinnell

If you’ve been downtown on 4th Avenue recently, it is possible you have noticed a few new businesses. Chamber Ambassadors were excited to officially welcome one of them as a new member, Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays -nail salon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony! This family-owned business, run by Rayann Richards, Madi Tomlinson, Nikole Toubekis, and Jim Richards, now located in Grinnell, offers a unique combination of retail goods and nail care.

Originally founded in Des Moines in 2024, Richards' Relics and Radiant Rays recently moved to Grinnell to be closer to their home in Gilman. The store specializes in a mix of new and unique items, typically sourced from pallet liquidations. Exactly what is in the liquidation pallets is unknown when they purchase it, but they often include seasonal overstock from major retailers, which means you can find great deals on items you wouldn't normally expect, like holiday-inspired merchandise or flannel shirts in the middle of summer!

Top sellers include personal care products, essentials like razors and body wash, at lower prices than traditional retail. Shoppers will also find an assortment of household goods such as plates, cups, cookware, and home decor. For the young or young at heart, Hot Wheels have been a big hit, along with action figures and plush toys. Jewelry lovers will be delighted by the wide variety of costume jewelry, which has been another top seller. They also sell items from local makers, like hand painted vinyl discs from Grinnell Farmers Market vendor, Rose Mary Pirkle!

In addition to the retail offerings, Radiant Rays nail salon provides a range of nail care services, from manicures and pedicures to gel, hard gel, and acrylic nail sets. For those looking to add some personal flair, Rayann specializes in nail art with designs starting at just $1.

Jim also sources antiques and vintage items from estate sales and cleanouts, bringing an eclectic blend of old and new to the store. In addition to the brick-and-mortar store, Richards' Relics also maintains a presence on online platforms like Poshmark and eBay.

On Saturdays, you'll likely see young helpers outside the storefront running a lemonade stand. The proceeds from the stand benefit a charity of their choice, a sweet way to give back to causes near to their heart.

They are open every day of the week, except Mondays. Appointments are encouraged for nail services. Both Richards’ Relics and Radiant Rays offer periodic specials, so be sure to stop by or check their Facebook pages for the latest deals!

Chamber Ambassadors

Chamber ambassadors who attended this ribbon-cutting include the following individuals, from left to right:

• Trent Arment
  MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Nikole Toubekis
  Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays
• Nikki Armstead
  Grinnell Chamber of Commerce
• Jim Richards
  Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays
• Monica St. Angelo
  Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Madi Tomlinson
  Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays
• Dedee Lehman
  All In Real Estate Inc.
• Blake Pearson
  Converge Chiropractic PLLC
• Donnna Fischer
  UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center
• Briana Gaunt
  Community 1st Credit Union
• Rayann Richards
  Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays
• Ashley Symbol
  First State Bank
• Jennifer McAlexander
  JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Jack Matthews
  Our Grinnell
• Claire Burch
  Temp Associates Grinnell
• Dorothy Spriggs
  Carriage House Bed & Breakfast
• Ashley Sorensen
  Volunteer Iowa
• Lisa Cirks
  Cirks Financial Services
• Matt Moyer
  Bayer Crop Science
• Brandy Virchow
  B. Nicole Salon