Small-Scale Shopping in North Omaha!
By CR, A Student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha as part of Heather Nelson’s Service Learning Academy class
Small-Scale Shopping in North Omaha!
North Omaha is known for small shops and stores worth checking out. Bubbling with entrepreneurs, there are lots of different locally owned stores. From men’s clothing and shoes to women’s dresses and jewelry, there are a ton of options. For years now, North Omaha has grown and built an identity through organizations and companies. Most of all business owners are from the community or play some part in the community. Here are 5 locally owned stores:
Fair Deal Village
After reading “A History of North Omaha’s Fair Deal Café” by Adam Fletcher, I learned that Fair Deal Village hasn’t always been the same. Restaurants, diners, snack shops, and other places to eat have always been a part of North Omaha but this one is different from all others, it is one of the longest-standing establishments in Omaha. According to Adam, the Fair Deal Café, owned and operated by Charles “Charlie” S. Hall since it opened in 1954. Fair Deal was Omaha’s “Black City Hall” for almost 50 years. It was a sociable and cultural hub in North Omaha and the only soul food restaurant for 20 years. In 2009, Charlie Hall passed away and Omaha was in the works for the future. In 2016, the Omaha Economic Development Corporation opened a new facility, which is called Fair Deal Village Marketplace, and sits on the corner of North 24th and Burdette Streets. The retail plaza is an arrangement of adapted shipping containers, fit to house about eight business as well as a store and café. This little café turned into something much bigger, and it is still one of the busiest places in North Omaha. Just like Fair Deal Café, as stated by OEDC, their village reflects our vision of bringing a new level of wealth and success back to North Omaha. OEDC is proud partners of all the businesses and encourage anyone and everyone to check it out. Some existing tenants are D-Marie Hair Boutique, Haberdash O.N.E, Juanita’s Creations, Still Popping, Rooted Synergy Gallery, Divine Nspirations, and SNKRR Haven, all businesses worth checking out. As stated already, Fair Deal Village Marketplace is one-of-a-kind and offers so much for an upcoming business. According to OEDC, “The Fair Deal Village Marketplace is a place that addresses barriers to economic entry among low- and low-moderate income business owners who, unable to rent traditional storefronts in the city, can find unique and affordable commercial spaces in repurposed shipping containers.” With, this village is a beautiful place and will continue to be for years on. The city of Omaha invites you to explore stores, attend events, have a nice dinner, and to just come see how shipping containers became a shopping destination in the North Omaha Community. This is a historical place, and everyone should cherish what the community has built.
D-Marie Hair Boutique
D-Marie Hair Boutique (DMHB) is a 100% human retail store and online boutique that provides lots of human hair in various lengths, colors, and styles. DMHB was founded in North Omaha and will always be a part of the community as long as its opens. It is open daily and is one of the busiest boutiques in North Omaha. Some of their best sellers are Virgin Bundles, HD Lace Wigs, HD Frontals, and HD Closures, all women’s hair products.
Haberdash O.N.E
Haberdash O.N.E is a brand founded in Omaha that sells a variety of featured items. From men’s clothing and accessories, they sell about everything. The unique part about this company is that it is a worldwide brand. Yes, they have a store, but online shipping is where they thrive.
Divine Nspirations
Divine Nspirations is Christian shop that sells inspirational gifts and paparazzi jewelry. From printed mugs, planners, purses, bibles, and more, they design beautiful products for reasonable prices.
LeFlore’s New Look Fashions
Leflore’s New Look Fashion is a black owned business in Omaha, NE. It has been a part of the community for 20 years now and plans to continue to innovate and grow in upcoming years. The store consists of mostly men clothing but they have a few women options. Through shopping and specialty retail, Leflore’s has some of the best options in the Omaha areas for clothing and shoes. Their location is on North 24th street, which is located more downtown. Mrs. Kay Leflore is the president/owner, and she encourages people to contact her via phone (402) 933-7800 or find her website at http://lefloresfashions.com. Some items that are sold at Leflore’s are suits, thrifted clothing, stylish hats, button ups, and more.
About Freedomtainment:
Freedomtainment is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Omaha, Nebraska established to educate, empower and entertain the Omaha Nebraska community about North Omaha Culture while bringing awareness to local, social and business resources. It hosts the Omaha Freedom Festival to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday and the Level Up Career & Housing Fair on Labor Day Weekend.
About Omaha Freedom Festival:
The 2023 Omaha Freedom Festival is taking place on June 17th at the Malcolm X Outside Event Plaza to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday from 12noon – 12midnight to honor the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. See website for event schedule and how to obtain tickets.
Citations
https://www.dmariehairboutique.com