Longtime downtown Lincoln store moves into its new home

Co-owner Jane Stricker (right) helps customers during the Shop the Blocks event on Nov. 17 at Threads — Footloose & Fancy in Lincoln.

Shoppers peruse the new Threads — Footloose & Fancy storefront, located just across the street from the old building, during the Shop the Blocks event on Nov. 17 in Lincoln.

Shoppers peruse the new Threads — Footloose & Fancy, located across the street from the old building, during the Shop the Blocks event on Nov. 17.

When Matt and Jane Stricker bought the former Swanson Russell building at 1222 P St. eight years ago, they originally planned to find a retailer for the 3,800-square-foot first-floor space.

In fact, Matt Stricker told the Journal Star in 2016, when the couple announced plans to renovate the building and turn its upper floors into apartments, that they had no plans to move their store, Threads — Footloose & Fancy, across the street from its longtime location at 1219 P St.

Mayor Gaylor Baird and local business leaders urge residents to shop local

But as time went on, they realized it was the perfect spot to consolidate their two Lincoln locations into one. That process began last year with the closure of the store at 70th Street and Pioneers Boulevard and was completed last month when the downtown store opened in its new space on Nov. 17, just in time for the Downtown Lincoln Association's annual "Shop the Blocks" event.

Jane Stricker said Shop the Blocks and Small Business Saturday are typically the store's two biggest sales days, so it was important to have the new store up and running.

That turned out to be a good decision, she said, because the store had its best-ever sales numbers for the two days.

"It's been really good," Stricker said. "People are so excited to see the new store."

While most things are the same as they were across the street, customers will notice some differences.

For one thing, the Strickers now have a liquor license, which allows people to have a glass of wine while they shop.

Stricker said the main reason she and her husband sought the license is because they offer private parties allowing people to rent out the store, and offering alcohol adds to the experience.

But drinks will be available during regular hours, and the store will eventually have a fully stocked bar with seating, although it's still waiting on some furniture to be delivered.

Another difference is that the new store is about twice the size of the old one, which has allowed the Strickers to add more selection and new brands.

"We were able to up our inventory quite a bit because of the space," Stricker said.

And customers will notice some new design touches, with the Strickers having incorporated some elements from the nearly 140-year-old building, including marble from some original steps.

"We tried to honor the history of the building but also make it new," she said.

Stricker, who has worked at the store for 27 of its 47 years and owned it for 20, said it was important to remain committed to downtown Lincoln.

"The Strickers have been a mainstay in downtown Lincoln, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to grow and expand their highly desired offerings to the entire community," said Todd Ogden, the Downtown Lincoln Association's president and CEO.

"Their mixed-use building received a Downtown Impact award in 2019, and having their active storefront on the street level is icing on a wonderfully decorated cake."

Suite Child at 2304 Central Ave. in downtown Kearney has the latest baby and toddler fashions as well as helpful products for families with new babies. There is also a store in Elkhorn.

Tammy and Randy Obermier own York Boot 'N Repair on the east side of the town square for 100 years. The business is a full-service leather repair store that also builds custom orthotics and sells boots and shoes.

Platte River Outdoors in Loup City sells a variety of hunting, fishing and archery gear and accessories. The store is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Marah's Treasures is at 304 Broadway St. in Taylor in Loup County. The shop carries gift items and fragrances, plus life-sized plywood figures made to order, and is open Thursday and Friday afternoons.

The Most Unlikely Place, 205 Main St. in Lewellen, is just a short drive from Lake McConaughy and is open Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It closes for the season from mid-November to mid-March.

The combination bistro/gallery serves breakfast and lunch as well as offering a wide variety of fine art. Sculptures, jewelry, paintings and more are available.

The Fort Cody Trading Post, 221 Halligan Drive in North Platte, has a variety of merchandise. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. "We have one of the best selection of western books anywhere, handmade Native American jewelry and arts, T-shirts, toys, Minnetonka Moccasins, retro soda pop, candy, hot sauces, cook books, Nebraska-made items and food, stuffed animals, souvenirs, cards and much, much more," the store's Facebook page boasts.

Hollywood Candy is in Omaha's Old Market at 1209 Jackson St. The store specializes in "hard-to-find retro and nostalgic candies of the past" and has modern-era candy as well. It has a large collection of PEZ dispensers and retro toys and novelties.

The Brown Sheep Co. Mill Store, located at 100662 County Road 16 in Mitchell, is attached to the mill and sells the company's yarn "seconds" and other crocheting/knitting supplies. The company's yarn is known and sold worldwide. One benefit of the mill store is "seeing all the wonderful handpaints that our handpainter tries out when developing new color ways. Because these hanks are one of a kind and generally not reproduced, they are not offered to our retail customers for purchase," according to the company's website.

Master's Hand Candle Co. in Tekamah, 3599 County Road F, has more than candles -- delectable chocolates, flowers, home decor, shopping, gifts, jewelry, purses and diva wear. The shop's website declares it "every woman's dream store." The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The North Platte Art and Gift Gallery, 516 N. Dewey, is open Tuesday through Saturday and has local contemporary art in a variety of mediums. The enterprise began in 1987 when a group of local artists rented a vintage downtown storefront. One of the five galleries hosts monthly competitive art shows.

Park Avenue Antiques, 515 N. Park Ave. in Fremont, has furniture, dishes, linens, home decor and books, as well as a multitude of signs. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Its website describes The Keeping Room as "a fusion of stylish antiques, unique holiday and home decor, unique fashion, food and drink and a friendly atmosphere." The Nebraska City store is at 717 Central Ave. and is open Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Marshall Custom Hats, 214 Staples St., in Arthur features handmade hats made by James Marshall. "It's amazing that about 42 percent of my customers are repeat customers," Marshall told Tri-State Livestock News last year. "Once I get them in once, they’re usually back for another one."

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or [email protected].

On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.

Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

Business reporter

Matt Olberding is a Lincoln native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who has been covering business for the Journal Star since 2005.

Shopping local is a way to give a gift to a loved one and the community at the same time. Take the pledge and get a chance to win.

Cintani, who died Dec. 10 at age 70, had worked at Mapes Industries since 1978, and since 1986 was owner and president/CEO.

The retailer said in an email to customers that Jan. 22 will be its last day at 14th and P streets. It recently opened a store at SouthPointe …

The store at SouthPointe Pavilions, along with two in the Omaha area, are remaining open, but it appears the one in Grand Island will close.

Vacancy rates improved in the second half of 2022 in all three categories -- industrial, office and retail.