Cooper's Corner moves its gifts and crafts into downtown storefront

In 2012, Kimberley Szczatko bought a sign that reads "Open, Come On In" in anticipation of one day hanging it on the door of her own store. That sign now greets you at Cooper's Corner, which celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 29 in the Front Street space recently vacated by Midnight Oil.

Szczatko has made the space uniquely hers, filling it with antique trunks and bookcases, enormous moose and caribou mounts, and a wide product mix.

While she has retained some goods from Midnight Oil, like candy, balloons and T-shirts, her expanded vision is to create a blend of ready-made gifts and crafting supplies.

"I want this to be a place where local folk can come and shop for birthdays, showers and celebrations," she said. Cooper's Corner will also carry a variety of craft supplies including yarns and crochet hooks, buttons and other sewing notions for people who like to create their own work.

She is particularly excited about the prospect of featuring locally handcrafted work and products. Alongside her own creations, there are quilts by Mary Fredrichs on display and poinsettias from Oceanview Gardens.

Before moving into the storefront, Cooper's Corner operated as an online shop, which she will continue.

Szczatko, who is a member of the chamber of commerce board, also has the capacity to do custom embroidery. Some are familiar with her mountain/wolf sweatshirt design created after the 2023 landslide for #wrangellstrong. While it is possible to bring in items for custom embroidery, she also has a range of products, including aprons, Christmas stockings, pillowcases and T-shirts that can be personalized with names and designs.

This opening is just the beginning of her vision: She plans on a book nook with comfortable chairs in the front window, and a coffee cart to encourage people to feel at home.

This moment has been a long time coming, and she wants to remind people there's no need to rush. Even so, Szczatko can't stop smiling, as she has finally realized her dream of having a shop. She anticipates "this is going to be an adventure, and it's going to be fun."

The shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; phone 907-305-1026.