Two Chicks in a Barn moving

CRESCO - Barb Eide and Nancy Wilson are keeping their trademark, Two Chicks in a Barn Gift Shop, even though they are moving from their location on Highway 9 to downtown Cresco at 215 N. Elm St. 

A sneak peek at the new store is taking place on Thursday, April 5 from 4-7 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. The store opens officially on Friday, April 6. A Grand Opening with door prizes is being planned for Saturday, April 14.

Eide and Wilson are still doing business as Furniture Re-Do, with projects in upholstery, caning and furniture painting being done in the back, but the front of the shop will focus on their unique craft projects.

The ladies are also adding many of the craft items from former The Nook (at 116 N. Elm St.) vendors to their stock, including Love You More Creations with Marcia Bannister and RU SpOILed by Terri Smith.

The artful duo have been located west of Cresco on Highway 9, in a barn, for the past six years. The shop was located behind Wilson’s house. Not that it was ever a big deal, but if it was after hours, and someone pulled in, she would open up to let them shop. 

But since Eide purchased the building in town, Wilson is looking forward to just being home. 

She will also have more room in her barn for her and husband Jim to do their own projects. “I’m hoping having the shop downtown will let me work more normal hours,” Wilson stated.

Both ladies are excited about the prospect of having more foot traffic in their gift shop. “Plus our service business will follow us everywhere,” noted Wilson. 

For the past five weeks or so, the partners have been busy cleaning, painting, tearing out carpet and moving product to get the new shop ready for its opening.

Their next big project is getting the basement ready for a second floor of inventory. They are anticipating being moved downstairs after summer.

Moving their business to downtown has fulfilled a big need for Cresco. It filled an empty building on its main street. “I want to see Cresco blossom,” said Eide. Her goal is to have Cresco look like Galena, with all the shops and no empty buildings. “I’m hoping we encourage others to step out of their comfort zones,” she added.

Eide is using her sewing skills to make a new canopy for the building. She is also the upholsterer and accountant for the business. 

Wilson does the painting, does marketing and, as Eide joked, “does the talking.”

When she makes  piece for the shop, Eide said, “I try not to do them in colors that go with my house.” 

“Otherwise, that’s where it ends up,” laughed Wilson. Although she doesn’t have much room to talk as her house holds many of the items they have for sale as well!

The women work well together because their main talents differ, and they compliment each other.

Check out their new business that’s really an old business in a new location.

Regular store hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9-7; and Saturday, 9-4. They now have a shop phone of 563-547-1007 and are also on Facebook @furnitureredoandmore.