Birmingham retail startup Square One Goods Co. is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, August 25.
The card, gift and stationery shop will make its home in the mixed-use Founders Station development. The 500 square-foot space, looking out into the newly created plaza between Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue North, promises to be a small shop with big personality.
The move to brick-and-mortar allows Hardy to expand Square One’s unique signature line, continue their focus on locally made products, as well as introduce new brands to Birmingham. From an “I love you more than James Spann loves suspenders” card to “What the food truck?” t-shirt to “Bham AF” throw pillow, the shop is full of witty and often Birmingham-centric gifts. Shop visitors also have a chance at a sighting (and possible petting) of Square One’s Chief Fido Officer Murphy – a rescue cocker spaniel.
“We’re beyond excited to be joining the growing family of shops in downtown Birmingham,” said owner Kate Hardy. “The people of Birmingham have been so supportive of our journey, and we’re incredibly proud of our city and its creative talent and can’t wait to show it off. Our aim has always been to add to the vibrancy of downtown Birmingham, provide a place for local makers and creators to showcase their products, and give back to a city that has given so much to us.”
One way Square One is giving back to its community is with the “All Write” initiative in partnership with Build UP- Ensley. For every stationery item purchased at Square One’s downtown location, they will donate a stationery item to Build UP’s workforce development school serving Birmingham youth. Build UP provides young people with career-ready skills through paid apprenticeships with industry-aligned academic coursework, leading them to become educated, credentialed, and empowered civic leaders, workers and property owners.
Hardy began her journey as a vendor at Woodlawn Street Market in early 2017. Following a successful market season, Hardy pitched the idea of a permanent retail location as a finalist in REV Birmingham’s 2017 Big Pitch Presented by PNC, winning 2nd place. This injection of confidence and cash led to the first iteration of Square One as a brick-and-mortar store, a month-long pop-up at the Alabama Theatre in December 2017. Keen to capitalize on the success of the pop-up, Hardy worked with REV on the search for Square One’s permanent home downtown.
“Kate is adding to the vibrancy of downtown Birmingham in her wonderfully witty way,” said REV CEO David Fleming. “Square One Goods is one of three Big Pitch finalists anchoring the Founders Station development, along with Amanda Blake Turner of Sprout and Pour and Kristen Farmer Hall of The Essential – and we couldn’t be prouder of all three small business owners.”
Square One’s hours are:
- Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays
Follow Square One on Instagram and Facebook and browse the online shop at squareonegoodsco.com.
Is your small business ready to grow? 2018 Big Pitch Presented by PNC applications are open now through September 15!
Related News
-
The Key Tool for Urban Revitalization: Downtown BHM's Business Improvement District
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
By the time REV took on BID management in 2018, downtown had a new set of needs from its BID. Downtown Birmingham in the ‘90s had a population mainly of 9 to 5 employees. But the downtown of 2018 had a whole new population of residents and visitors throughout the day and night. We had new opportunities to create positive experiences, inviting them into more downtown businesses and public spaces, and to keep them coming back for more.
-
Introducing the six businesses that call Nextec home
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
On the corner of 3rd Avenue and 16th Street North, you’ll find Nextec, a redevelopment of the 90-year-old, 65,000-square-foot Edwards Motor Company building (also formerly known as the Sticks ‘N’ Stuff building). With experience in historic renovation, developer Michael Mouron, chairman of Capstone Real Estate Investments, began this civic project in 2021 as a space for business startups to continue their work in the Magic City – a function encouraged by REV Birmingham.
-
Woodlawn Marketplace: Nurturing retailers, building community
Filed Under: Birmingham Food & Drink, Business-Proving, Family Friendly, Front Page, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business, Woodlawn, Woodlawn Street Market
Since autumn of 2021, Woodlawn Marketplace has stood tall in its place at 5530 1st Ave S. Originally planned as a month-long mini market experience featuring seasoned Woodlawn Street Market vendors, the project was met with such a positive reception that the REV team decided to press on and launch a larger, more permanent version. In the months following that decision, the space has undergone a transformation, evolving into a local retail incubator and café. Now, the heart and soul of the marketplace is supporting local businesses and building community in the historic Woodlawn business district.