Five years after opening in the unlikely location of New Ulm, Minnesota, the stylish women’s wear boutique Semblance is closing its doors. But with that announcement comes some good news: Owner Bobbi Barron is joining Minneapolis sustainable fashion boutique, Hazel & Rose, as a partner.
“When I set out to start my own shop, I didn’t envision working with a partner,” says Hazel & Rose owner, Emma Olson, in a press release. “But I had been so impressed with what Bobbi built in New Ulm, recognized that she was exceptionally good at the things that didn’t come naturally to me, and knew that having her on board would help Hazel & Rose grow.”
“When Emma brought up the idea of us possibly partnering,” adds Barron, “it felt sort of kismet since I had been pondering the idea as well. I was incredibly impressed with the concept of her store and felt similar passions toward ethics, sustainability and the importance of supporting small businesses, designers and artists. It felt natural to combine our talents.”
Barron will bring her keen eye for unique clothing and accessories as well as her expertise in creative management, including art direction and visual merchandising, to Hazel & Rose. Both stores have a like-minded approach to retail, from their minimalist, curated approach to merchandising and displays, to their passion for ethically-made goods by independent labels and makers. Although both stores already had some overlap, Barron will bring over many of the other lines she carried at Semblance, including jewelry by national brands Laura Lombardi, Wolf Circus, and Myers; apparel by Minneapolis-based lines Joeleen Torvick and ACG; handbags by Portland, Oregon’s Primecut and New Ulm-based Angela Valentine; hand-dyed scarves from Scarf Shop by Minneapolis designer Martha McQuade; and ceramics by Brooklyn-based Conmateria.
Barron will be closing Semblance at the end of August to move to Minneapolis and join Hazel & Rose. Until then, her store will host a liquidation sale with 30 percent off the lowest marked price, including both sale and regular-price merchandise, now until the store closes at the end of August. (For online shoppers, use code “GOODBYE” at checkout to get the discount.) Hazel & Rose plans to celebrate Barron’s arrival with an in-store event this fall, and also coming this fall, look for extended store hours.
Now through August 31, shop Semblance at 204 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm, 507-304-0377, and at shopsemblance.com. Hazel & Rose is located at 945 Broadway St #220, Minneapolis, 612-788-4178, shophazelandrose.com
