South Dakota
Mina shop owner finds success with South Dakota gifts
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Roughly 15 miles west of Aberdeen sits a unique business in the small community of Mina. South Dakota Baskets Unlimited, however, was first established nearly four decades ago in Hub City.
Kris Scherr purchased the business on New Year’s Day 2023 and moved the shop location from Aberdeen to Mina, a town of less than 1,000 people.
She had owned a small gift shop in Mina when she was informed that Baskets Unlimited was for sale. Within three days, Scheer said she purchased the business and merged it into her current gift shop. And in the past two years, she turned it all into a “South Dakota Made” gift shop.
Products can be purchased individually, or baskets can be custom designed while a customer waits. Scherr has a storefront in Mina but does not keep normal set hours. Most sales are online, but when needed, she says customers can call her directly, and she will open the shop for them.
“The gift baskets are filled with some of our state’s finest products and novelties and can be shipped nationwide,” Scherr told the Aberdeen News. “Since I have purchased the business, I have doubled the sales from the previous years. I sell corporate gift baskets during the holidays and ship in a timely manner. My biggest challenge is the shipping time, but over the last few days I have managed to learn a few different ways of getting the product to customers within three or four days.”
Scherr has smoked pheasant, smoked turkey, buffalo, elk and beef salami as well as cheeses and sweets. She also sells snacks, like candy, jams, fruit syrups, honey and kuchens. There’s also coffee, bagels and hand-crafted soaps.
Baskets are loaded with lots of South Dakota made goodies. There are two breakfast baskets, the Dakota Family Breakfast and the Dakota Family Brunch. In addition, there is a Taste of South Dakota, The Granddaddy Gift Box and Game Day Party Box. But don’t forget Dakota USA and Dakota Gourmet.
Other gift ideas she has for sale include Terry Redlin pieces and Rosemary Millette mugs, plates, coasters and stained glass.
While Scherr is the lone employee at her shop, she says she relies on friends to help her through the busy times of the holidays.
“I live right across the street from my business, so I am very open to going to my shop at any time for someone to shop,” she added. “I totally enjoy this business and am willing to work with individuals and corporate establishments.”
South Dakota Baskets Unlimited can be reached by phone at 605-281-0670. The store is located at 227 S. Sunset Drive in Mina, South Dakota.
“I enjoy putting together each unique basket and also finding new South Dakota-made products to incorporate into my business,” Scherr said.