By SALINA POST
Just in time for the holiday season and following the official announcement of their retirement, Ken and Alice Robson are pleased to announce that Olivia and Trent Stevenson, owners of Raised Rustic, will acquire the downtown treasure Robson’s Card & Gift Shop, 211 N. Douglas Avenue, Ellsworth, effective February 2024.
Ken and Alice celebrated 40 years of ownership of Robson’s Card & Gift Shop this summer, and officially announced their desire to retire and locate a passionate and energetic owner to purchase the storefront to continue to serve the community. At the same time, Olivia Stevenson was seeing that her current location at 108 E 1st was in need of an expansion due to a growing customer base and demand for additional inventory.
This exciting expansion will come with some changes to the staples the community has seen under the ownership of Ken and Alice. Hallmark cards, stationery, boxed cards, gift wrap, and Melissa & Doug toys will still be available under Olivia and Trent’s new ownership. Gold Crown Keepsakes and other proprietary Gold Crown products will no longer be available due to franchise requirements. Office supplies will no longer be available, but the dry cleaning service will continue.
READ MORE: 🎙Robson's Card & Gift celebrates 40 years of service in Ellsworth
The expansion of additional square footage will come with a great opportunity for Raised Rustic to provide unique home decor, gifts, repurposed furniture, children’s clothing, jewelry, and more.
Ken and Alice are overjoyed that ownership could stay local, and provide such a great opportunity for a young business owner, much like they were when they acquired Robson’s Card & Gift 40 years ago from Loren and Callie Reber.
“Many, many hours have been invested in this arrangement, with special thanks to Stacie at Grow Ellsworth County. We have all struggled keeping this quiet while working out the details,” Robson said. “Clearance sales will continue in January , but how can we begin to thank our wonderful customers who have become friends and family? Please join us in supporting this blend of old and new, with a huge dose of creativity! Let’s make new traditions!”
Olivia and Trent will begin to transition to the new store in February, and will be posting the expanded hours of service as they move to the new storefront. Olivia sees this opportunity as a contribution to the community, and to build on the customer base she has created in our community.
“Sometimes doors of opportunity open then close then reopen when the time is right. I couldn’t be happier to finally announce something that’s been in the works for what seems like so long! This move is going to bring so many great things to our community and our business. Ken and Alice have provided a wonderful retail storefront to this community for several decades and I only hope I can step in to fill those shoes just as well! Stay tuned as we will announce our Grand Reopening date. New year, new customer, new location,” Olivia said.