July 25, 2023

A long-vacant retail storefront is coming back to life.

Christi Petersen is opening Seasoned Style at 824 W. 10th St., filling a first-floor space that years ago was The Willow Tree boutique and more recently was a tattoo shop.

“I really love the vintage vibe” of the building, she said. “That is my true love, and I want to show people how to use vintage pieces in a modern way.”

She has been running her business for a decade, supporting it through vendor events and as a co-owner of The Shoppe in Dell Rapids. The Sioux Falls store is a solo venture.

The plan is to be open the third Thursday, Friday and Saturday each month.

“Every month will be like a new shopping experience because I’ll have all new pieces, and it will be restyled every month so it will look different,” she said.

“Every month, I’ll have 20 pieces of furniture and tons of home decor, focusing on handmade items.”

She hand-pours soy candles and makes laser glow forge art “and just all sorts of crafty things,” she said.

Her first sales will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 18-19.

She estimates there will be cabinets, buffets, dressers, nightstands and other furniture available. She upcycles many of the pieces herself after sourcing items at estate sales, rummage sales, flea markets and online.

She occasionally will purchase pieces from individuals but doesn’t plan to offer consignment at the 1,100-square-foot store.

While an apartment upstairs is leased, the main floor has been vacant for at least five years, Petersen estimates.

She has repainted and made other improvements to the space in preparation for opening and said she’s excited about nearby improvements, including The Perch restaurant and home restorations.

“I used to live in that neighborhood about 15 years ago. I used to live a block away (from the store),” she said. “So I’m familiar with the neighborhood, and there are a lot of hidden gems in here.”