While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the lock-down of non-essential businesses, it hadn't stopped one seasonal business owner, Rhonda Lokken, of Main Street Vintage LLC in Greenwood, Wisconsin. Rhonda typically opens up her business in April and closes the end of December.
Her clientele isn't limited to local communities. Her "regulars" include people from Milwaukee who stop by en route to and from northern Wisconsin during the summer and fall.
Rather than take another month as a business loss, Rhonda got proactive, getting permission from the local Clark County Health Department to open her business one day of the week with special COVID-19 precautions in place.
Starting May 2, 2020, items were placed on display in the front yard of Main Street Vintage for an outdoor "open" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To shop for unique one-of-a-kind treasures for a great price, customers were asked to practice safe distancing and to wear a mask.
Now, only 5 people at a time are allowed to shop inside. Items are placed outside for viewing while people wait to come in. You're expected to practice safe distancing and wear a mask for your safety and others' safety.
Main Street Vintage LLC opened its porch front door for business on April 23, 2015. Rhonda transformed an old Victorian house on Greenwood's Main Street into a unique, two-story antique and gift shop.
While shopping in the house, you'll experience artistic elegance. You'll find rural art, vintage and up-cycled decor including furniture and handmade rugs. Gifts and decor items are created by local artists.
Kitchen items are displayed where you find them in a house--in the kitchen. There you'll also be able to browse through a collection of jellies, syrups, dips and gourmet coffee.
In the front of the house's lower level, you'll find an attractive collection of scarves, cover-ups, jewelry, goat milk soaps and lotions, candles, tarts and LaCrosse, Wisconsin's DnA Vinters wine. Sweet Paradise and Chocolate Paradise wines are favorites. But, Crangia, Frost Watch Orange and Frost Watch Red are available too.
If you can't get away to shop, you have the option to view items on Main Street Vintage LLC's Facebook page. You may message the business on the page about items you're interested in or are looking for. Items with the exception of the wine are shipped directly to the customer.