Galesville boutique moves; several Valley View Mall stores closing

One of the newest woman-owned businesses in downtown Galesville will hold a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday, Feb. 3, at its new location at 19891 W. Gale Ave.

Jade Gilbertson opened her jade willow artisan boutique and gift shop last February in a nearby storefront at 19921 W. Gale Ave. It opened in its new, slightly larger location on Jan. 10.

Gilbertson makes and sells clay earrings (both dangles and studs) that are hypoallergenic, nickel-free and very lightweight, which she said are huge selling points to customers. She also makes macrame keychains and artificial floral arrangements. And she creates custom designs that she gets printed on apparel and drinkware.

Her shop also sells lots of things made by others, such as hats, home decor, graphic apparel, personal body care items, candles and accessories.

“It’s a way to feel creative and to express myself,” Gilbertson said of making clay earrings. She began selling at vendor events in September 2022.

The Winona native moved to Galesville and started her shop there partly because her parents are natives of Trempealeau County and she is familiar with the area, and partly because she was impressed by the growing number of woman-owned businesses in downtown Galesville. “Galesville has so many incredible woman-owned stores,” Gilbertson said.

Her shop’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday through Tuesday. Starting Feb. 6, it also will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Next Saturday’s grand opening celebration will feature specials, giveaways, cookies and an opportunity to meet and buy items from the owners of AK Designs and Sunny Days Candle Co.

For more information, visit jade willow’s Facebook page or email jadewillowboutique@gmail.com. Customers also can shop on its website, https://jadewillow.shop.

A store-closing sale is under way at Debo’s Vintage Emporium at 1232 Caledonia St. in La Crosse, which owner Max Heiden and his mother, Deb Heiden, told me is expected to close by early February. The sale features deep discounts.

The resale business sells such things as furniture, furnishings, jewelry, kitchen items and antiques.

Deb Heiden, who started the business in 2016 and now helps her son operate it, said it is closing because she is retiring.

“I’m moving on to other things,” Max Heiden said.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until the store closes.

Deb Heiden started the business in 2016 at 726 S. Seventh St. It’s been at its current location since October 2019. For more information, call the store at 608-498-9719 or visit its Facebook page.

I’ve got a few more after-Christmas closings to report at Valley View Mall in La Crosse.

Tuesday was the last day for the Foot Locker athletic footwear and apparel store in the mall. No one at Foot Locker’s New York City headquarters has responded to my inquiries about the closing of its La Crosse store.

Meanwhile, a sign posted by an official of three adjacent mall businesses – Action Zone, Valley Gifts and a mini-doughnut kiosk – said Feb. 19 will be their last day.