Retail Stars: The best of the Midwest
Four of Home Accents Today’s Retail Stars hail from the Midwest region. Here’s what makes each one of them special.
Four of Home Accents Today‘s Retail Stars hail from the Midwest region. Here’s what makes each one of them special:
J&B Home Décor & Gifts, Elkhart, Ind.
J&B Home Décor & Gifts is a 1,700 square-foot store, located in Elkhart, Ind., that offers home décor, accent furniture, gourmet treats and unique items that constantly change. Brad Priest is owner and founder of J&B Home Décor and Gifts, which was originally known as Garber’s Interior Design. When he lost his husband and partner, Jonathan Tuft, in 2021 he took his grief and re-opened the store, a smaller and more intimate home décor and gift shop, and renamed it J&B Home Décor in honor of Tuft. He credits the community of Elkhart for supporting him through his loss. J&B Home Décor & Gifts visitors are always greeted by Priest’s Austrian Blue Heeler, Miss Piper, along with dance music upon entering the store. The retailer also hosts private shopping parties. —Lauren Roses
Leon and Lulu, Clawson, Michigan
Husband and wife team Mary Liz Curtin and Stephen Scannell opened Leon & Lulu in Clawson, Mich., in 2006, rehabbing the historic Ambassador Roller Rink and making it a destination for shoppers. The 15,000 square-foot rink offers furniture, antiques, clothing, gifts, books, games and gourmet food in an eclectic environment. Curtain said Leon & Lulu is serious about exceptional design, fabulous service and fun – but they also have a sense of humor about everything else. The Clawson Theatre marquee marks the facade, but what’s going on inside the revamped movie palace is so much more. In 2016, the couple opened what they call The Show with a full stock of Michigan products, vintage items, distinctive greeting cards and more home furnishings. That same year, they added Three Cats Cafe where small plates and baked goods are served on vintage china. Detroit Magazine has named Leon & Lulu Best Furniture, Gift and Home Décor shop several times over the years, and it is a multiple ARTS Award winner in the retail segment.—Anne Flynn Wear
Dwell Home Furnishings & Interior Design, Coralville, Iowa
A one-stop shop for the residents of Coralville, Iowa, and surrounding areas, Dwell Home Furnishings & Interior Design has made a name for itself by focusing on quality rather than trends, and comfortable luxury. With a mix of furniture, lighting, décor and interior design services, this company has home design covered. Dwell encourages its clientele to use all five senses when shopping. Its goal is to provide luxurious, functional furnishings that feel comfortable, too. This focus has led to the company being a finalist at the 35th Annual ARTS awards, among other accolades. Most recently, Dwell added a beautifully designed kitchen vignette to showcase the timeless style and exceptional craftmanship the company delivers. Aligned with other thoughtfully curated spaces throughout the showroom, the new kitchen area highlights the essential combination of function and beauty, helping clients understand how they can elevate their own spaces. —Diane Falvey
Duo Home, Springfield, Ohio
Duo Home, a boutique store that focuses on home brands not typically found in Ohio, is an outgrowth of a to-the-trade art production company called Itinerant Studio. In 2014, it purchased its building, a more than 100-year-old warehouse-style building in downtown Springfield, where it maintains its art studio on the main floor and painstakingly refinished the second floor for Duo Home. It carries brands such as Norwalk Furniture, Skovby, American Leather and Red Egg while in tabletop it carries, Opinel, Peugeot, Guzzini and Nordic Ware. This year, co-owner Vicki Rulli said she plans to add more tabletop, table linens and cookware. In January, the store began hosting a monthly Annex Party with an open bar, appetizers and a “super cool NYC loft vibe.” This month it is partnering with a local distillery for a tasting party. The store is also hosting a fundraiser for the local nonprofit theater and continues to work on other event ideas and collaborations. – Allison Zisko
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