Business Type Sporting Goods, Hobby, and Musical Instrument Stores

NAICS Code 4511

Location 204 Watson Street, Ripon, WI 54971

Nearby Businesses Hamilton’s Ladies Apparel, Tracy Porter, Tango, Uncorked Wines, Only Her Clothing Boutique, Reflections, Farrell’s Fine Furnishings, Fat Bruce’s Bakery & Eating Kitchen

Owner/Manager Katie Wild

Special Store Activities Classes in traditional rug hooking, punch needle rug hooking, wet felting and needle felting, wool appliqué, punch needle embroidery, knitting, and basketry; block of the month club.

Year Opened 2007

Website http://www.hollyandivyonline.com

Phone 920-539-1013

E-mail hollyandivy@mac.com

Community Profile Ripon (population: 7,484; mile radius population: 20,721) is located 18 miles west of Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Ripon, a small college town with a revitalized central business district, has become an appealing place for local residents to live, work and play, as well as a popular tourist destination. In addition to its distinctive architecture, downtown Ripon features a wide array of retail and service businesses that meet the needs of local and regional residents. Ripon””s diverse business base is anchored by traditional retailers selling apparel, jewelry, home furnishings and unique gifts. The district also has a drug store, a variety of restaurants, a movie theatre, and is the home of the Birthplace of the Republican Party museum.

Products Sold & Niche Developed

Holly & Ivy specializes in rug hooking, wool appliqué, knitting, felting, punch needle embroidery. The store features all natural fibers and quality woolens, both on the bolt and hand-dyed, a vast assortment of hand dyed flosses and Pearle cotton. Books, patterns, and kits are available in the various crafts featured at the store. Yarns by Brown Sheep, Pagewood Farms and Halcyon, Morton rug hooking frames, Hyia Hyia knitting needles, and a complete assortment of notions for needle work crafts. The store is located in the heart of historic downtown Ripon at 204 Watson Street.

Market Segments Served

Holly & Ivy is building a local customer base. A number of loyal customers come from throughout Fox Valley and beyond. Many regular customers are from Wisconsin Rapids, Beaver Dam, and Madison. Woolen crafts such as rug hooking and wool appliqué are a specialty market and the crafters are willing to travel to find a quality source for materials.

Contributions to the Business Community

Many customers come from 20 miles or more and plan to make a day of their shopping trip, visiting the other downtown stores and enjoying lunch at one of the specialty restaurants. Some classes are all day classes, and one of the fun features of coming for a class is enjoying a lunch from one of the downtown restaurants, making for an eventful day. Holly & Ivy is a participant in Dickens of a Christmas and other Ripon promotions and events.