Minnesota Makers To Close Robbinsdale Store
Since 2016, Minnesota Makers in Robbinsdale has served as a hub for anyone wanting art that’s authentically Minnesotan.
The store even offer classes for people who want to make these items on their own.
“We do have a packed calendar for our craft classes for August,” said Christa Kalk, owner of Minnesota Makers. “We’re hoping people will come out. If they’ve been thinking about it, this would be a great time to do so.”
A great time, according to Kalk, because Minnesota Makers’ days in Robbinsdale are numbered.
Last weekend, Kalk announced she’s closing the store along West Broadway Avenue, leaving her Excelsior shop as the sole location.
“I think looking at the sales numbers going down steadily over the last couple of years, and then a couple of bad experiences with theft in 2024, kind of sealed the deal for us to close the Robbinsdale store, unfortunately,” Kalk said.
The most recent incident of theft in Robbinsdale occurred in mid-July on what was supposed to be the busiest weekend of the summer. A burglar broke into the building and stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise.
“We haven’t really received any updates yet. Police are hopeful they’ll find them,” Kalk said.
As that situation plays out, Kalk’s focus going forward will be to grow her business in Excelsior’s thriving retail corridor.
“We’ll have all of our artists still here. There will be some more lake-themed stuff, which we’ve been focusing on for the last few years here in the Minnetonka area,” she said. “So we’ve got Lake Minnetonka stuff, Excelsior stuff, we’ve got some general Minnesota stuff as usual.”
That general Minnesota stuff will still be available in Robbinsdale through Aug. 24. Kalk encourages people to visit during the store’s final days.
“It just made sense to end our time in Robbinsdale,” she said. “But boy, we had a really good run.”
Robbinsdale police hope to issue a warrant for the alleged burglar’s arrest after evidence gathered by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is processed by the crime lab.
The Minnesota Makers store at 261 Water Street in Excelsior will be the sole store after the Robbinsdale location closes on Aug. 24.
