The Revolving Door of Stores

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some stores have been shuttered. But with the loss of many Twin Cities gems comes the opportunity for new shops to pop up.

The pandemic has taken a lot from us. Whether we lost loved ones, friends, our businesses, our jobs, or just our general sense of community due to isolation, COVID-19 has been anything but kind. Among the things we’ve had to say goodbye to this year are a number of local shops that couldn’t make it through the pandemic-induced lockdowns. Unfortunately, the majority of businesses that have closed are small, local, mom-and-pop type stores. While large, billion-dollar corporations received massive government bailouts, many small businesses were left to fend for themselves. Unsurprisingly, many were unable to survive.

Here is a list of Twin Cities retailers we have lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a list of new shops we have to look forward to in 2021.

Farewell…

Fifth Element Record Store – 2411 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

The Uptown favorite, known for its CDs, records, apparel, and more, permanently closed in March. The independent music store was a Twin Cities treasure, especially for those looking for unique sounds that might not be available in big box music stores.

Dead Media Records – 828 E. 35th St., Minneapolis

The distinctive Twin Cities record store, Dead Media Records, was known for its vast offering of secondhand records, books, CDs, tapes, and more. For music lovers and thrift store junkies, the loss of Dead Media Records will be felt for years to come.

Flotsam + Fork – 3730 Chicago Ave., Ste. A, Minneapolis

The kitchen supply store Flotsam + Fork closed its storefront on Chicago Avenue, not far from where Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd in May. After the uprisings that followed Floyd’s killing, the store’s owners ultimately decided that it was time to close up shop.

Duke Albert – 1701 NE Madison St.,, Minneapolis

The Northeast location of Duke Albert closed its brick-and-mortar store during the pandemic, likely due to a lack of in-person shoppers. Though this is certainly a loss for folks who enjoy window shopping (during non-coronavirus times, of course), the store remains open online.

Welcome…

Russell + Hazel – 12 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis

Partnering with MartinPatrick3, Russell + Hazel is opening its stationery and lifestyle shop to offer all sorts of desk and office organization supplies, stationery, binders, filers, notebooks, calendars and planners, and more. After the business had to close its North Loop flagship location, the reopening in collaboration with fellow Twin Cities staple MartinPatrick3 is a welcome sight.

Piccadilly Prairie – Mall of America

With a new location on the second floor of the Mall of America, Piccadilly Prairie is the perfect spot for art lovers and vintage fiends alike. Shop local artists’ goods from t-shirts and baseball caps to posters and masks. All are stylish, one-of-a-kind, and Minnesota-centric.

Foxwell – 4400 France Ave. S., Edina

For those outside of the cities, you’ll definitely want to have this new Edina store on your list. HGTV’s “Stay or Sell” hosts, Brad and Heather Fox, are showcasing their home decor and interior design in the new shop Foxwell. Come for goods from local crafters or just to browse the beautiful products.