10 Surprising Places to Shop in Onawa

If you’ve never been to Onawa, then you may be surprised at how many shopping options there are in this small town with a population of less than 3,000 people. In no particular order, let’s start off with my first stop I made.

Act II Consignment

Ran by a handful of very knowledgeable ladies, this is one of two consignment stores on Iowa Ave. Initially walking in, I noticed how organized everything was, and that they have weekly and monthly sales to bring new and returning customers in, which is great advertisement! Lots of antiques, kitchenware, both vintage and new clothes, an impressive number of shoes, and my personal favorite: picture frames! If you have ever gone to get your travel photos or portraits framed, then you know how costly it is to have custom frames made. Or, if you’ve purchased frames at a retail location, just to have it fall apart because of the inferior quality. Well, these frames are sturdy, and have character!

Along with a variety of various sizes of wall décor, you’ll also find knick-knacks, a plethora of yarn swatches, and even greeting cards and gift bags. Check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ACTIICONSIGNMENTSHOP) for weekly updates, or just drive down and find your next unique gift for this year’s upcoming Secret Santa! Open since 1987, these ladies have a good eye for value.

712-423-3512
813 Iowa Ave
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed

Found At Nine Two Six

This next spot was actually an accidental find I stumbled upon on my way to the business next door. Almost passing it up, I was drawn in by the eclectic storefront, and walking in it did not disappoint. Owner, Paul, greeted me with a warm hello, and we chatted about his aesthetically appealing and beautifully decorated interior design shop. I learned that Paul goes to estate sales and flea markets to acquire his inventory to sell in his store. He also features artwork from local area artists, and even takes old broken furniture and repurposes it, giving it a facelift and a much-needed paint job.

Truth be told, I have been in a desperate search for a Victorian era chandelier for my remodeled bathroom, but everywhere I look either only has modern lighting options, or it is way too far out of my price range. But taking a look at his inventory, I now know where I’m going for my vintage décor pieces for my century old home.

If you are looking for a colorful and unique item to display or offset your modern home, consider Found at 926. You honestly cannot beat Paul’s prices. And for more information on his business visit his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057580842867), and make sure you show Paul some love this summer!

605-933-9502
926 10^th Street
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Wed: Closed
Thurs – Sat: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: Closed

Loess Hills Travel Agency

Next door to Found at 926, which is where I was headed in the first place before I got sidetracked for half an hour in Paul’s visual wonderland, is Loess Hills Travel Agency. Owned by Jim and Jodie, this is an unexpected travel agency in a small Midwest town where patrons can purchase trips that will take them all around the world. From cruise lines to resorts there is something for everyone. Personally, I feel more comfortable sitting down with someone who has, themselves, travelled all over, and knows the shortcuts and tips to make your next vacation so much smoother, which is why this place is a no brainer for me. You get personalized service from an experienced traveler.

So, when you’re in town shopping, stop by Loess Hills Travel Agency, and see about planning your next vacation with Jim and Jodie. Find out more on their website (https://loesshillstravel.com/), and check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/loesshillstravel)

712-433-8747
922 10^th Street
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tue: Closed
Wed – Sat: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: Closed

J&J Collectables

Located in the same retail space as Loess Hills Travel Agency is Jim and Jodie’s antique collection. Here you’ll find a small assortment of Mid-century vintage pieces and knick-knacks for your China hutch. Locate them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JJs-Treasures-More-2632410333467332).

In addition to planning your next adventure, Jim and Jodie also support local businesses. You can find organic vanilla extract, handmade soaps and even local honey. AND OMG! Beer bread!!! You have no idea how long I’ve been in search of beer bread. I usually stock up when I go to a spring of fall craft fair, but, for some reason, the last few I’ve gone to haven’t had any for sale. So, you can imagine how surprised and thrilled I was to find it here, of all places, a travel agency. It goes to show, always shop local, you’ll never know what hidden treasures you might find. And now! I know where to get my beer bread fix, and believe you me, it is well worth the drive.

Jordan’s Sportscards

The final business which shares retail space with J&J’s Treasures and Loess Hills Travel Agency is Jim’s baseball card collection. A perfect gift for that sports enthusiast in your life, Sportscards will be your go-to for all things game related. In addition, Jim has a keen eye for valuable memorabilia, so if you have any questions about what you may have just picked up at your local flea market, stop by Jordan’s Sportscards. You can also find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Jordans-Sportscards-603802010081618).

Simply Signs

Yet another accidental find, while walking around town, was Simply Signs. I know many of you like to break up a boring white wall with unique phrases, or even draw guests’ attention to your family portraits, to even framing an awkward wide-open space with bold painted lettering. Well, this business is what you’ve been looking for.

Building her business out of her home and then moving it to a brick and mortar, Lacy has been able to branch out from not only wall décor, but also baseball hats, scarves, pens, magnets and even coffee mugs. My personal favorite is the rooster, and I love the different colors and farmhouse feel of some of these signs.

So, if you’re looking to support a local business, and need to spruce up your home furnishings then head over to Simply Signs, and don’t forget to check out their inventory online (https://www.simplysignsonawa.com/), as well as keeping up with their weekly sales via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/simplysignsonawa/).

712-870-0942
814 Pearl St
Onawa, iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tues: Closed
Wed – Fri: 11am to 5pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

The Barn Loft

This next stop was one of the main reasons I decided to drive down to Onawa and shop around, and I love that the owner, Shane, has repurposed a basic looking warehouse into his little corner of retail heaven. Walking in I was immediately met with visual stimulation, along with a spark of creative ideas on how, and what next, I can decorate in my house. A successful business owner creates a need, then has a solution to keep patrons coming back, and this place does not disappoint.

Looking for that infamous portrait of those Scottish Highland Cattle? You have your pick of several different canvases. Need a Christmas present for that hard-to-shop-for father or son in your life? Or what about a painted wine bottle to complement her bookcase full of trinkets? You’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list.

In addition, if you have little ones, bring them in, and let them make and take their very own succulent at the succulent bar! Here, your kids can get their hands dirty, create something they made and that they can be proud of, and learn a little bit about nature. Hands-on crafts are always a win in my book, and especially when it’s mentally stimulating for young minds.

Keep up to date on weekly specials and new arrivals via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/The-Barn-Loft-Home-Decor-Accents-Artisan-Market-112123341262214/), and make sure to visit their website (https://the-barn-loft-home-decor-accents-artisan.business.site/) for gift ideas in their online gallery.

712-431-9809
910 9^th Street
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tues: Closed
Wed – Sat: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed

Botanica Bee Flower Company

Situated right next door to Downtown Coffee & Cream, and sharing a backyard patio, is this up-and-coming florist and gift shop. Announcing their grand opening just a few months back in April, owner, Lana, has made herself a beautiful and functional garden spot in downtown Onawa. This is yet another example of why you should explore nearby towns because you’ll run across cute storefronts like this one.

Initially not on my list of shopping opportunities, but knowing I couldn’t pass it up, Botanica Bee will now be one of my stops when I drive down to see my mom in Omaha. From gnomes for you fairy garden, to 3D popup cards, to even a guy’s corner for that special someone in your life, this gift shop is full of something for everyone. There’s a small loft above the main shopping area where kids can play, explore and, of course, add toys to their Christmas list. And while you’re there don’t miss out on their bloom bar! It’s what their cleverly named after. Here you can create your own bouquet from Lana’s wide selection of plants and flowers, which are constantly updated according to what is currently in bloom.

This is a brand new business to Siouxland, so make sure to check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BotanicaBeeCo/) where you’ll spy weekly deals, and even find out the “Scent of the Month”. July is Rice Flower! How refreshing. And finally, visit their website (https://botanicabeeco.com/) for more information on what’s in season for your next dining room table centerpiece.

712-433-1000
904 Iowa Ave
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tues: Closed
Wed – Fri: 3pm to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed

Dress Divas

Next up is a retail shop I had on my list from the very beginning, but I wasn’t able to visit my first day in Onawa due to being short on time, so I obviously had to make a second trip, and I’m glad I did. I got meet the owner, Stephanie, who was filming live for her Facebook page while I was there, but also allowed me to walk around and explore her eclectic, but fashionable, shop.

Walking in you are immediately greeted by her media wall where she does her daily and weekly announcements, along with a hallway guiding you into a luxurious retail wonderland. Walking down the entrance hallway you are met with glamour shots of female icons throughout the ages. Katharine Hepburn, Diana Ross, Grace Kelly, and Farrah Fawcett to name a few. That alone sets the stage for what to expect at this iconic retail location.

Immediately, I found several pieces of clothing I could easily add to my collection, along with sassy coffee mugs for my next manager outing, and a bedazzled cyclones hat, which I for sure will be going back for on my return trip to Omaha here soon. The upstairs loft is full of clearance items, as well as a kid’s corner, where you can find that next item for your friend’s baby shower.

With a social media following of over one thousand, this small-town business has been able to impact people’s buying habits, and lives, all around the Midwest. Winning Siouxland’s Choice Award in 2021 for best boutique, Stephanie and her team will keep you looking stylish all year round. Check them out on their happening Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/shopdressdivas), and stop over to shop online via their website (https://dressdiva.commentsold.com/).

712-431-6993
908 Iowa Ave
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tues: Closed
Wednesday: 10am to 3pm
Thurs – Fri: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed

Back Closet Consignment

The final shopping destination on our list is the other consignment shop on Iowa Avenue, and right across the street from Act II Consignment. Just moved your high school graduate out of the house? Need new clothes for your ever-growing children and don’t want to spend all that money on new outfits that they’ll outgrow next year anyways? Then stop over at Back Closet Consignment. I love that all their clothing is organized by women’s, men’s, boys and girls so you know exactly where to head if you’re in a time crunch.

The back wall has a large assortment of wall decorations and picture frames, and dividing the clothing sections are trinkets and housewares to help furnish your teenagers college dorm. And the front wall to the left of the entrance is a massive bookcase. Arranged by category, you’ll find your next boardgame for trivia night, a DVD or two for your movie collection, and even a book to read while you relax on your patio.

Looking back at my pictures, I totally didn’t even realize they have a boardgame which I’ve been looking for for a couple years now! Good thing Onawa is only a half hour drive from Sioux City, and I hope it’s there when I go back.

712-433-4300
812 Iowa Ave
Onawa, Iowa 51040

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Tues: Closed
Wed – Fri: 11am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed

Plan your next shopping trip

Onawa is a growing small town, with endless possibilities and a dedicated group of local entrepreneurs propelling this Midwest community into a bright future. There really is no need to shop at big name brand warehouse stores full of cheaply made products, when you have a wide selection of creative business owners in your backyard.

So, stop throwing you money at million-dollar corporations whose CEOs are on a yacht far far away, and start supporting that boutique down the road. These small business owners go to the same dentist as you, get their hair cut by the same beautician, and shop at the same grocery store as all of us. When you support local, you are pouring your energy and dollars into neighboring communities who need and deserve it more than those national brands whose presidents don’t know, and will never know, your first name.

Rant over. But truthfully, I hope I’ve encouraged you to get out, go for a drive, and find that next puzzle piece which you’ve been looking for. Happy shopping!