My Happy Place gift boutique in Zumbrota is marking 10 years in business on Saturday, September 26 with an open house celebration. Owned by Sara Hartzell, the store offers a unique selection of new merchandise, curated vintage finds, handmade treasures, and gently used items.
As a crafter herself, Hartzell has always wanted to operate a store that helped local crafters sell their wares. The store carries a variety of items made by area crafters including goat’s milk soap and body cream, jewelry, greeting cards, soy wax candles and melts, microwave bowl holders and potholders, hand towels, dish cloths and scrubbies, corn comfort bags, magnets and tree jewelry, and décor.
In addition to handmade products, My Happy Place also carries a curated selection of vintage merchandise. Many consignors are downsizing their household goods, often including some great vintage pieces. Their families do not want mom’s or grandma’s treasures. The store offers them an opportunity to sell their items and get those treasures into the hands of others who will enjoy them. Hartzell says, “Reselling vintage and gently used items allows our customers to purchase at reasonable prices and keeps perfectly good treasures out of landfills. Our vintage collectibles are sold at very reasonable prices too.”
When Covid hit, the store began to sell gently used jigsaw puzzles to entertain people while we were all stuck at home. They now carry a large selection of puzzles of all types and sizes at great prices.
The store is always looking to add unique product lines. Currently, two of the most popular are their Blind Date with a Book section and the Jewelry Mystery Bags. Blind Date books are wrapped with clues about the plot and genre and include some added treats for the reader. They are very popular as pre-wrapped gifts. Jewelry Mystery Bags contain unsold jewelry pieces directly from the sales floor. At 10% of their estimated value, they are popular with all ages. Plans are in the works to offer Mystery Boxes as well.
Crafters and sellers consign their merchandise through the store and receive a percentage of the price of each item sold. In return, the store makes sure items are ready for sale. All merchandise is cleaned and displayed to best highlight unique features. The store maintains an active presence on Facebook and posts photos of items on a daily basis.
Since Hartzell is a Pharmacy Technician a couple of doors down from the store, she has a staff of two that manage daily operations. Janet Hanke handles all consignment intakes and does a great deal of research on all vintage merchandise to price items so shoppers get great values and consignors receive reasonable compensation for their treasures. She also handles social media and back office tasks. Hanke has worked at the store since the day it opened.
My Happy Place is fortunate to have a display designer who creates our amazing merchandise displays. Denise Robertson has consigned with My Happy Place since the store opened. After retiring from Mayo Clinic five years ago, she joined the staff and quickly showed her talents as a designer. Hartzell is involved in design and display as well and, of course, makes all business decisions. They are a team that works well together and has a great time doing it.
My Happy Place is located at 392 W Main Street in Zumbrota. Hours through October are Wednesday 10-5, Thursday and Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10-4. Beginning November 9, the store will add Mondays and Tuesdays 10-5 through the end of the year. You can find them online on Facebook by searching My Happy Place Zumbrota.
Over the past 10 years, My Happy Place has evolved into a location known for offering something for everyone. The store works hard to keep prices reasonable so that anyone can find the perfect gift. Come visit soon!
