A turnkey business is up for sale in Marshalltown – Harvest to Home in the 13th Street District.
Owner Cheryl Hayes did not come to the decision easily when it was made last week.
“It was a really hard decision,” she said. “I do not want it to close because it’s such a cute shop. A lot of the returning customers would hate to see us leave. I am really sad to sell, to be honest.”
Hayes also owns the Funky Zebra in Ankeny, Ames and Cedar Falls and will retain those stores, but with a new family health issue, she can only be in one place at a time.
“I need to be with my family,” she said.
Harvest to Home, a boutique offering bath and kitchen goods, candles, jewelry, items for kids and baked goods, is a relatively new store in Marshalltown. Hayes opened at the end of November and received a wonderful 10 months of business.
In less than a year, Harvest to Home has become a 13th Street destination, with regular returning customers – some walking through the door three days per week. The business is “very profitable.”
“It’s new to the community, so I don’t want it to close,” she said. “I would like to see someone take it to the next level. I am looking for someone who has passion for the community, who will give back.”
Ideally, Hayes would like someone with a marketing background or who sees the store as an investment – both characteristics will help take the business to the next level.
The vendors already established with Harvest to Home are still interested in staying, Hayes said. Utilizing local vendors was important to Hayes and she hopes a new owner will continue doing business with them. By doing so, it is another way to give back to the community and grow the business at the same time.
“Those businesses tell their customers about your store,” she said.
Selling wares and products of local products also helps push customers to shop locally more often and support family-owned businesses.
“A lot of businesses come and go in Marshalltown, so it is important for everybody to support the small businesses,” Hayes said. “We are the ones giving to the booster and charity clubs. The big box stores do not.”
During her brief time, Harvest to Home hosted a few events, such as Galentine’s, which was a girl’s night out in February. She hopes the new owner will continue to participate in community events.
Hayes added that the store will still host the Sept. 24 Fall Open House event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 13th Street District. A couple other businesses will possibly be involved, but she needs to confirm their participation.
While she has hopes for what a new owner will bring to the table and what they will keep, there are no conditions to the sale. The new owner will be free to find their own products. Hayes said one piece of advice she would provide is the new owner should be themself.
“And have a passion for what you’re doing, care about your customers and have fun while you’re doing it,” she said.
The selling price for Harvest to Home is negotiable, but she is not asking for much.
“I really want someone to take it over so I don’t have to close it,” Hayes said. “I don’t want a closing sale. It’s a cute store with cute products, great vendors and I would like to keep it going.”
BUSINESS INFO
Name: Harvest to Home
Address: 234 N. 13th St.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays
To buy: Interested parties can call Hayes at 641-328-4374
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.