There are gadgets, gizmos aplenty at new Laurel business

LAUREL - From jewelry to signs and custom T-shirts, Laurel’s newest business has gadgets, gizmos, whozits and whatzits galore.

W.W. Galore, a shortened name for the business name paying homage to the famous song in the animated movie “Little Mermaid,” officially opened in downtown Laurel Feb. 19, in the former Friendly Corner building at 102 E. Second St.

“It just fits what we’re doing and what we have here,” said Jamie Anderson of the business name. “But it was too much, we had to shorten it.”

Anderson, Wakefield, and Missi Cale, Dakota City, own and operate the store they describe as a hand-crafters’ boutique.

About 25 artisans rent a booth, or business space, to feature their wares ranging from holiday gifts to home decor and everything in-between.

The business began 22 years ago as Anderson’s Etsy shop where she specialized in scrapbooks.

She evolved into refinishing furniture, and making custom T-shirts, tumblers, and engraved items which required more space and she moved into her first storefront location in Wakefield in 2017. While she appreciated the space, there was room for more. She asked a friend to bring in her handmade items for sale and the business model grew from there.

W.W. Galore moved to a location in Wayne in 2020. “With COVID, everyone shopped local and business was great,” Anderson said.

About a year ago, Cale joined in the operations as Anderson found herself overwhelmed with six children and a farm to take care of along with the business.

The opportunity to own her own space instead of renting brought her to consider the Friendly Corner location in downtown Laurel. Her husband, Mike, showed her the realty listing and it was love at first sight, she said.

“I was obsessed with it,” Anderson said. Now, vendors update their merchandise in the store about once a month and some work the business hours of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The business receives a percentage of sales but most of the profits go back to the artisans who make the goods filling up the store.

“Our main goal is to support small business,” Anderson said. “Lots of vendors started out small with us and we helped those smaller people get their start. We encourage everyone to grow.”

She also continues to offer equipment rentals for events such as decorations, signs and chairs under the name Gala’s Galore.

Future plans include remodeling the upstairs two-bedroom apartment and turning it into a short-term rental for birthday parties, a bridal suite or just a getaway.

Anderson also hopes to add a small coffee shop and smoothie barat the downstairs shop at a later date.

So far, everyone has been friendly and welcoming in town, she said. “I’m excited to be here. We are loving Laurel,” Anderson said. “Moving here, it’s a new start.”

W.W. Galore’s location is considered a Laurel landmark with history dating back to 1897. According to Laurel Advocate history columnist Roger Tryon and other historical sources, A.C. Goltz purchased the lot and construction began shortly after. The first tenant was “The New Store” managed by W.O. Tolliver. It later became “The Dry Goods Corner,” then “The Fair Store.” Other tenants included a bank, a pool hall and saloon.

The upstairs served as a dentist’s office, law office, justice of the peace courtroom, and the Knights of Pythias Lodge.