Eichorn Sets Up Shop In Downtown Store Front
A cool breeze blows through Osawatomie’s downtown corridor as a waning summer sun puffs its last few rays of heat down toward the city. With Kansas on the cusp of the fall season, Donna Eichorn made a shift in moving her business into the heart of the town’s commercial district.
Sept. 18 marked the tentative opening day for Eichorn’s new Donna and Viola’s Shirts Etc. store at 522 Main St. The businesswoman moved her screen-printing and embroidery service from her quiet home on east Parker Avenue to the spot formerly occupied by The Locker Room, which went out of business last month.
Eichorn understands that she has some big shoes to fill, and although the services she offers are different — her business specializes in apparel, specifically T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and, soon, letter jackets — her excitement certainly has not been dampened by the challenge.
“It was a big move,” she said of setting up shop downtown. “(But) it’s a good move.”
Business began trickling in since opening day, Eichorn said, but she has enjoyed it being slower to begin with, giving her time to settle in and set up the store before becoming inundated with requests.
Customers entering the refitted establishment will be greeted by an array of screen-printing options bordering the ceiling and have a clear view, if only slightly restricted, of Eichorn’s embroidery workstation. Using computer-programmable sewing machines, Eichorn creates designs that are far more intricate than what she could accomplish by hand. The workspace is cordoned off by railing, but Plexiglas inserts allow curious youngsters to get a good look while keeping small hands away from needles, she said.
