At Civil Alchemy (8154 Big Bend, 314-801-7577), wool sweaters share floor space with brass scissors, soap, and locally made sausages. Kelley Hall-Barr, who co-owns the shop with her husband, John Barr, describes it as a general store for things that are beautiful, functional, and well made. After selling K. Hall Designs two years ago to focus on their family, the couple opened the lifestyle boutique in early September to get back to basics: interacting directly with customers in a community they love.
Has being a busy mother of five influenced the store? Absolutely. This store is set up for people who entertain at home. You could walk in and get a new outfit, jewelry, small foods, wine, lights, candles, and fresh flowers—you could literally put on a party from everything you bought here.
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How do you tie the store’s disparate offerings together? If there were one direct thread sewing everything together, it would be that it is somehow a natural product in one capacity or another—it’s handmade, natural materials, flower- or plant-based, or an outdoor item.
Have there been any surprises so far? Dryer balls! We have wool dryer balls made in Nepal. I brought in several hundred, thinking, “This should last us a while”—and we sold out in the first two weeks. They cut drying time, naturally soften clothes, and detangle.
Why should people continue to shop at small businesses in the era of online shopping? People can get anything they want on the internet, but the one thing they can’t get is that emotional experience of shopping an independent retailer who has taken the time to curate things and create an emotional connection with goods they love. I think the desire to have that experience will be there—maybe even more so in the future.
Check out CivilAlchemy’s Instagram page, @civil_alchemy, for ideas and inspiration.
