As the weather turns towards the welcome warmth of late spring, St. Germain will greet a new business opening next Thursday, May 21.

The Plaid Bear has moved into the former location of the Moccasin Shop and, more recently, the Wanderer. Store owner, Karmen Harris, is thrilled to greet new customers at the location she fell in love with years before.

“My dream for the Plaid Bear is that it is an inviting, relaxing atmosphere, and it inspires you to have a sweet life,” Karmen said.

Shortly after their move up here 2016, Karmen and her husband drove past the Moccasin Shop and she said, “I want to have a store like that.” 

At that time they had just bought their Sayner home and were renovating it. It was not an opportune time to open a new business.

She missed out on an opportunity when the Debackers bought the building and opened The Wanderer. She then turned her attention to purchasing a little cafe in Sayner but, again, that didn’t work out.

At last, she saw a “For Lease” sign on The Wanderer storefront after they closed their store. This time Lady Luck was on her side.

The Plaid Bear features a unique inventory showcasing jewelry, vintage home furnishings, soaps, body oils, essential oils, and candles, lake and cabin decor, clothing for all ages, baby clothing, and shoes, pottery, garden items, furniture, and many fun vintage items.

Karmen has also filled the shop with furniture, both for display and for sale purposes, revealing her love of antique furniture going back to when she was 19.

Like so many other businesses, her plans to open were delayed because of the Covid-19 crisis. She strives to keep all her merchandise made in the USA and will not buy from China.

“I order from women-owned companies. They make everything,” she said.

Her customers may need to exercise a little patience as stocking the backroom inventory was virtually impossible due to canceled shipping. However, this vivacious woman is fully amped up for the store’s opening this coming Thursday. Please be assured there will be sanitary supplies to keep you safe while shopping and only five in the store at a time, please. There will be guidelines to help your shopping experience be safe and healthy.

The Plaid Bear will be open Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or as trade demands. To learn more about this delightful store visit their webpage or their Facebook webpage. For a first-hand viewing of the shop, Karmen made a very informative video that is a must-see viewing!  If you have any questions, call Karmen Harris at the Plaid Bear at 715 479-1790.