April 27, 2018

A Vermillion business that sources handmade merchandise primarily from Guatemala will expand to Sioux Falls and be the latest tenant at the Jones421 marketplace downtown.

Diane Nesselhuf opened Sharing the Dream in the 1990s. The merchandise is all fair trade, and a staff in Guatemala works with artists to design custom products including weavings, scarves, handbags, kitchen decor, recycled hand-blown glass and jewelry.

“A lot of it will be original designs, original colors that they’re not going to find anywhere else,” she said. “We’re really excited about it. It’s a neat building and a neat concept, and I think it will be really good for us.”

She’s also bringing merchandise from Kenya and Thailand.

Nesselhuf plans to open in May and will move into the space vacated by Game Chest.

The game store grew so fast it needed more space at Jones421. It will reopen Saturday after doubling in size.

“April 28 is International Tabletop Day, so we’ll be doing a huge party and discounts,” co-owner Amanda Wermers said.

They also are doubling their supply of games for rent.

“Rentals have gone really well, but it’s tapering off a little because the people who have rented have rented a majority of our games, so now with the new space, we can double the rental library,” she said.

The marketplace businesses will be part of a grand-opening celebration starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and running until 9 p.m. at some of the shops in the building at 421 N. Phillips Ave. The day will include live music, in-store specials and giveaways. Other newly opened businesses include Bella Rosa flower shop, Boki Gelato and Boki European Street Food.

Building co-owner Sheila Hazard said interest in the remaining first-floor space has picked up. She’s working with multiple potential restaurants and has five condominiums left for sale on the upper floors.

“I’m getting three or four calls every couple days,” she said.

European-inspired businesses open in downtown Jones421 marketplace