March 29, 2024

Making an old family business new

Sisters continue family shop in downtown Prairie City

Traveling in downtown Prairie City, a new shop boasting unique finds is sure to catch the eye. Van Haalen’s Emporium, owned and operated by Prairie City native Cindy Kane along with her sister Tammy Hickman-Fay, the home-goods store hosted its grand opening April 13 at its 108 E. Jefferson St. location.

Van Haalen’s Emporium has a wide variety of items with something for everyone. From vintage and upcycled furniture to art, purses and antique toys, along with new soaps, bath bombs and jewelry, guests can have their fill at the shop.

The shop gives new life to an old family business, as Kane and Hickman-Fay set up shop in the original site of Van Haalen’s Clothing and Shoes, which was owned and operated by their grandparents Bert and Lorene Van Haalen from the 1940s until 1973.

“After fundraising for the mural wrapped up and we knew the building was for sale, we decided to return the shop to its old glory,” Kane said. “As we make a profit at the Emporium, we hope to fund a splash pad in Garden Square.”

Kane previously organized for the On Jefferson Street thrift shop, a fundraiser to raise $10,000 toward having a mural painted on the east side of Prairie City Foods. She also serves as the city’s clerk.

The sisters plan to rotate inventory frequently and are dedicated to cycling through local art and having a little something for everyone, including 25 and 50 cent candy for the kids and Keurig coffee for adults.

“We are happy to be on the square, and we hope to expand and offer weekly sales online,” Kane said.

The shop’s regular hours are from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. To see what is new in the shop, visit it on Facebook under Van Haalen’s Emporium.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com