Marigold, Minnesota’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop, closed it Milton Square location in mid-March after two and a half years in business.
The shop opened in June 2023 as an expansion of the original Marigold store in south Minneapolis.
The business said it was downsizing in order to streamline operations, reduce overhead and focus on serving their community.
“We’ve truly loved getting to know our (SAP) neighbors and everyone who made our shop part of their routine,” Marigold said in a statement. “The various support in many ways has meant a lot to us. We’re going to miss being part of this neighborhood.”
The shop sells local and international nonalcoholic beverages, ranging from NA beer, wine and mixers to cannabis and “adaptogenic” drinks (beverages infused with plant extracts said to have a relaxing or euphoric effect). Local options come from producers such as ABV Technology, a St. Paul — based beverage technology company, and Bauhaus Brew Labs, a Minneapolis craft brewery.
Marigold’s hours at its Milton Square location shifted several times. Open seven days a week early on, the shop reduced its schedule to four days a week last September, expanded to five days in October and ultimately scaled back to three days — Thursday through Saturday — in January of this year.
Nearby business owner Sandra Weise of Finnish Bistro believes the closure does not reflect broader trends in the Milton Square area. She noted her business has seen increased foot traffic compared with last year.
Others described a more mixed picture. “Business of late has been admittedly slow, but we are optimistic that we will see positive growth,” June Room, Mind’s Eye and Present Company, said in a joint statement. “The diversity of shops should make Milton Square a destination shopping spot, which makes being ‘St. Paul’s best kept secret’ a long-standing frustration.”
Moe Richardson, owner of Studio Hair Salon in Milton Square, said Marigold was a great addition to the area and was saddened to see it go.
Megan “Mick” Grotzke, of Present Company, said the Marigold closure will be a blow to the Courtyard Shoppes, particularly from a branding standpoint.
“The subtle neon turns heads and enhances the curb appeal of Milton Square as a whole,” Grotzke said. “Marigold will be a tough act to follow.”
Grotzke also reflected on the loss from a business-owner perspective.
“Erin’s welcoming and supportive approach to doing business made me feel instantly at ease,” Grotzke said, referencing her experience as a new business owner.
Marigold’s 380-square-foot space sits between All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring and Acorn Bookshop. It previously housed The Little Wine Shoppe for 17 years, before that store moved to a larger location in 2022.
During its time in St. Anthony Park, Marigold also hosted a variety of community events, including a Mother’s Day market, a Valentine’s Day tasting and a Milton Square Holiday Market.
In addition to its Minneapolis store, Marigold manages an online shop that ships its products — including a subscription box — nationwide.
Erin Bowman is a journalism student at the University of Minnesota.