Thistle & Thread Plants Roots

"Quite a ways from the fair booth, isn't it?" That bit of understatement came from Thistle & Thread co-owner Ashley Kemmis, at her store's grand opening in downtown Glasgow Oct. 24. Plans for their venture began in March and have blossomed since.

Co-owners Brianna Page and Kemmis certainly have moved from that small fair booth in August to operating two brick and mortar locations: one in Glasgow and one in Wolf Point, located in EC Sports. The two offer a blend of online and local shopping, with their products also available through their online boutique, thistleandthreadboutique.com, which showcases an extended offering of styles not in the store. Those online purchases are shipped directly to customers with the option of returning in store if the order doesn't work out as expected.

If the outpouring of support shown at their Glasgow grand opening is any indication, the two entrepreneurs are looking at a successful venture. The business moved into 533 2nd Ave S. in Glasgow, sharing the former Ransomes space with Little Campers. With the BergHouse manned by Shawn Bergstrom and Seth Morehouse outside the front door, and beer from the Busted Knuckle Brewery available inside, the celebration was a hit.

Customers browsed racks upon racks of clothing, shoes and accessories, available in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes. People lined up to check out, leaving Kemmis little time to visit with well wishers. She laughed, "Yes, it was quite busy!" Page manned the floor, helping guests with questions and restocking throughout the evening. "I don't even know what a proper guesstimate would be," Page lamented about not knowing how many people filtered in and out of the store that evening.

Kemmis and Page had previously worked with Little Campers owner, Brady Brooks, with an arrangement that allowed customers to pick up online orders at the store. Plans to expand from a pick-up and drop-off location came about quickly. At their grand opening at their location in EC Sports, the two hinted that shoppers would soon be seeing a location here. Page told the Courier at that time, "We are looking to set up in Glasgow. We have some things to set up, but it is looking hopeful at this point!"

With holiday shopping and Block of Bucks just around the corner, Valley County residents welcomed the store. Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Executive Director Lisa Koski commented on Thistle & Thread's Facebook page, "What a great addition to downtown Glasgow." Enthusiasm and congratulations were evident online and in person as shoppers laughed and visited. Sydney Haward commented that she had shown up a bit late, hoping to avoid the rush, but as she told the Courier, "Nope, that didn't happen. It was packed!"

"People loved that that we had plus size options that were fashionable. We got a lot of 'thank yous' for bringing more clothing options to our area," Page told the Courier. "Everyone commented on how cute our stuff was and that we had a great fall color scheme going on." Many ooohs and aaaahs was heard throughout the evening as customers found item after item to their liking. Discussions at the opening and after also touched on how affordable the fashion is.

Since the closing of Shopko, many people have turned to online shopping or trips out of town to pick up what they need. However, in that void, in addition to Kemmis and Page, many locals have stepped up to show the true meaning of hometown. Community leaders have highlighted what can be done and purchased locally. Joy Guttenberg, owner of the Apple Trolley, brings shoppers to new businesses, allowing them to highlight their offerings, and reminds the community of existing business' offerings with her Chocolate Walk. Kari Prewitt updates her inventory regularly at Prewitt Interiors, including bringing in affordable Halloween costumes. Haylie Shipp, of Shippwrecked, also offers clothing and interior decorating items geared towards a western chic aesthetic. Robyn's Nest rotates out their seasonal decor to suit all preferences.

Thistle & Thread is now another option for shoppers here, but it is also representative of so much more. Kemmis and Page join a group of committed community members determined to keep their hometown alive and well. Page expressed gratitude for the community, saying, "We feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of it as business owners. I can't believe how far we've come in just under six months." Their store is a commitment not only to themselves, but also to their friends and neighbors, a commitment to truly make Glasgow the best place to live and work, and shop.

Thistle & Thread is located at 533 2nd Ave. S. and will be open 10-5 Tuesday through Friday and 10-2 Saturdays.