Anybody who has ever been to State Street Stuff in the heart of downtown St. Joseph doesn’t likely ever forget the experience. Every nook and cranny inside the venerable old store is occupied by some measure of goofy, sometimes bawdy, and oftentimes uproariously funny stuff. So when owner and operator Cindy Barinholtz tells you that she is “packed to the rafters” with fresh, fun, affordable finds, you know you’re in for a treat.
That’s exactly the manner in which Ms. Barinholtz, the Matron of Madness who maintains the magic mountain of mayhem at 314 State Street in the central business district of St. Joe, describes her inventory levels as she races headlong into her 5th Anniversary Celebration.
Yep…it’s been five years since Cindy unleashed State Street Stuff onto the brick-lined streets of St. Joe, and she’s gearing up for a huge celebration on the day of the Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade, Saturday, May 6th. It was on parade day five years ago that Cindy took flight and she’ll mark this year’s parade with free candy giveaways all day. Five faithful followers will win one of five free $5 gift certificates to her store as well.
Kids (or adult fans alike) can have their picture taken with Spider Man from 3 to 5pm that day following the parade and “Elvis” will perform live, in concert, on the sidewalk out front from 6 until 8pm.
The eclectic shop was voted the #1 Best Gift Shop in SW Michigan in a recent direct mail poll, and they are being prominently featured in a documentary film made by a Chicago film maker chronicling an iconic Windy City store called Uncle Fun. Cindy’s delighted to have that honor, inasmuch as Uncle Fun was a key inspiration behind the concept for State Street Stuff.
After nearly 40-years, Uncle Fun retired and closed his doors in Chicago a few years ago, shortly after State Street Stuff opened up shop. Cindy was invited to the Chicago preview of the documentary and she’s working on ways to get the film shown locally in Michigan’s Great Southwest sometime in the future.
If you’re in town for the Grand Floral Parade, or simply want to head into the shopping district following the grand affair, make sure “The Grooviest Store in SW Michigan,” is on your must-see list that day. Happy Anniversary to the cast and crew at State Street Stuff.
