Galesburg, IL is a little town with a rich history. Of course, small historic towns and small businesses go together like salt and pepper.
There’s something about the experience of shopping local that the big box stores just can’t offer. Friendly, personalized service and unique products are part of the fun. You also get the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting the local economy, keeping the town’s money within its own city limits. The more you shop local businesses, the more jobs will be available in your area.
If you live in or near Galesburg, shopping local is an excellent way to cut down on the waste of travel. It doesn’t take any gas or electricity to stroll down a downtown street, peeking in shop windows and going in to browse. Shopping local makes for a fun afternoon out with friends, and doing it on foot can even be good exercise, too! Grab a coffee to-go and some reusable shopping bags, and you’re ready to make a day of local shopping.
Whether you live in Galesburg, IL or you’re just passing through, checking out the town’s small businesses is a must. Local favorites in Galesburg include craft stores, florists, toy shops, and jewelry stores! Let’s take a look at just a few of the small businesses Galesburg has to offer.
Calico Cat
Calico Cat is a gift store with a little something for everyone. The staff is known for being warm and helpful, and their product assortment is really diverse. If you’re looking for a one-stop gift shop, Calico Cat is perfect. A selection of gourmet chocolates and other treats will tempt you at the front of the store. You can find perfumes, soaps, candles, and other scented products that make great gifts. They also carry personal safety devices, jewelry, specialty popcorn, and much, much more. Around Christmas time, you can find snow globes, ornaments, and many more holiday items.
Cooks & Company
Cooks & Company is a floral shop, among other things. You can find unique flower arrangements to brighten up someone’s day, while skipping the grocery store checkout lines. Bouquets and arrangements are reasonably priced here, too! If flowers aren’t your thing, you can even get succulent arrangements and other plants.
You’ll also find many other gift options, if you need something that lasts a little longer. From kids’ books and toys to candles, perfumes, and Illinois state memorabilia, you’ve got plenty of options. Cooks & Company is a family-owned business, and the staff takes pride in making the store a welcoming place.
Dovetail Rivet & Stitch
If you’re looking for handmade crafts and artwork, you’ll definitely want to check out Dovetail Rivet & Stitch. You’ll find beautiful paintings to decorate your wall, often painted by local artists. They also carry sculptures, glass pieces, and woodwork. Recent wooden items include clocks, vases, coffee scoops, mirrors, toys and more.
You can also find handmade jewelry, like bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. The shop carries a variety of pottery pieces, like coffee mugs, bowls, platters, and cups. Some pottery features local themes or state icons.
Every piece in their gallery is truly unique and makes a memorable gift (or treat for yourself). One of the best things about Dovetail Rivet & Stitch is their online store. If you don’t feel like driving to the shop, you can order from their gallery online!
Kohl’s Diamond Gallery
Kohl’s Diamond Gallery is a family-owned, small-town jeweler. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, or another piece of jewelry as a gift, skip the large jewelry chains. Mass-produced jewelry tends to be lower in quality, and it rarely lasts as long as other pieces. When you shop at a large chain, you’ll be buying the same diamond ring that thousands of other people are wearing.
Small, local jewelry stores are the way to go for quality and uniqueness. If something goes wrong with your piece, Kohl’s has a master specialist on hand to take care of any needed repairs.
Stray Cat Art
Want to purchase an art piece you wouldn’t find anywhere else? Check out Stray Cat Art! The artist focuses on repurposing industrial metal to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Sunflowers and butterflies are favorite themes, and many of the pieces are meant to serve as yard decorations.
If you’ve ever taken in a stray cat, you’ve probably seen an amazing transformation. Watching a skinny, dirty cat become healthy and happy is always exciting. If you like the idea of taking something old and ugly, and transforming it into something beautiful, you’ll love Stray Cat Art!
Mother Goosebumps
If you’re shopping for kids, you definitely won’t want to miss Mother Goosebumps. This boutique features children’s clothing, including newborn sizes. Their clothes are adorable, yet sturdy and designed for play.
However, that’s not all you’ll find at this store. When you’re shopping with kids, picking out clothes is often the least exciting leg of the journey. If there are toys involved, the shopping trip suddenly becomes a lot more fun. Mother Goosebumps offers a wide selection of toys and books, including educational toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, and games. They also carry an assortment of baby items, like teethers, blankets, and more.
Shopping For A Church?
If you’re new to the Galesburg, IL area, you’re probably settling into the routine you want to establish. It takes awhile to find your favorite shopping spots, restaurants, and healthcare providers in a new town. You might also be looking for a new church. Why not check out Harmony Baptist Church in Galesburg, IL this Sunday?
We like to focus on the most important essentials: learning about God and who He is, and fellowshipping with one another. We appreciate preaching that’s clear and straight to the point, and we enjoy studying the Bible together. If you’re looking for a small town church with a big heart for God and people, Harmony Baptist Church might be the perfect place for you. We’d love to see you soon–check out our ‘Contact‘ page for all the important details!
