Finders Keepers
THE SHOP: Farkleberry’s, 107 W. Aldersgate Dr., Ste. 8, Nixa, 417-725-9787, open Tues.–Thurs., 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 9:30 a.m.–
5 p.m., closed Sun.–Mon.
ATMOSPHERE: Farkleberry’s is one of several businesses quietly tucked away on Nixa’s Aldersgate Drive, located just seconds down the street from the city’s constantly busy Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Bright blue-teal walls give the shop a vibrant and happy feeling, and they provide the perfect setting for the shop’s eclectic mix of inventory. In the kids’ section there’s everything from paisley-printed, spill-proof plates to absolutely adorable baby Trumpette socks. (I bought some for my new baby cousin.)
KEY PEOPLE: Gary and Fran Daily opened Farkleberry’s two years ago. They both grew up in southwest Missouri, and they met each other while attending college at the School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks). In addition to finding her husband during college, Fran also found a new nickname (unintentionally, of course). Her roommates called her Franny Farkle.
The name transformed into Farkleberry, and it stuck, becoming the name of her and her husband’s store.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND: The eclectic inventory includes things such as brightly colored birthday candles that are as long as a pencil. And the prices are equally as exciting. The candles are priced very reasonably at $2.95 (I bought some), and almost everything seems to be bargain-priced. “We try to make it so anybody can come in and buy a gift. “If a kid has $10, or even $5, they can come in a buy a gift,” Fran says.
VERDICT: Are you going to a summer barbecue? Or a child’s birthday party? Farkleberry’s has items you probably won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the prices are truly reasonable and the store is bright and fun, so you can’t go wrong.
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