O’Brien’s Dry Goods opened in downtown St. Cloud in May 2025. But they’re more than just a vintage store; think of their shop as stepping into your grandpa’s garage, your cool aunt’s closet, and your favorite small-town antique shop all at once. O’Brien’s Dry Goods is built on community, stories, and good old-fashioned curiosity.
Chad O’Brien, owner and operator, grew up in Aitkin, Minnesota. “I moved to St. Cloud in 1998 for college — and, like a lot of people who find their groove here...I never really left. After spending 25 years in banking, I started having those late-night “What if…” thoughts that tend to spiral into something big. With some steady encouragement (and occasional nudging) from close friends and my partner Samantha, I finally made the leap.” The shop is now Chad’s full-time gig. “Honestly, this is the most rewarding (and chaotic) job I’ve ever had.”
As the name suggests, O’Brien’s isn’t just a little shop of antiques. “Yes, we’ve got the vintage denim, the vinyl records, the typewriters, and the old toys … but what really sets us apart is the mix of vendors, the historic space we’re in, and the people who walk through the door. We’re not trying to be polished or perfect. We’re trying to be real. We’re not just selling stuff; we’re sharing stories, honoring history, and creating a space where people feel welcome to hang out, dig around, and maybe find something that sparks a memory.”
“The most exciting part about O’Brien’s is hands down seeing people light up when they find something unexpected … a jacket just like their dad used to wear, a typewriter they never thought they’d see again, or a record they haven’t heard since high school,” said Chad. “Watching those moments of connection happen in the store never gets old. I also love the hunt … new items come in every day, and each one has a story. Whether it’s fulfilling a custom request or just watching someone dig through a bin and find their next favorite thing, it’s a reminder of why I do this. I get to surround myself with the past, and somehow, it makes the present better. To be honest, I didn’t expect things to move this fast. I knew I’d wear a lot of hats, but I didn’t realize I’d be juggling them at full speed. The pace of it all – new inventory, customers, events, requests – keeps me on my toes every single day.”
“I’ve seen a mix of support from downtown organizations working toward revitalization … some hits, some misses, but overall, mostly positive. That said, the real backbone of support has come from other small businesses downtown and across St. Cloud. There’s something special about the way local businesses show up for each other here. Whether it’s sharing advice, promoting each other’s events, or just popping in to say hi and grab a coffee. That kind of community doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet, but it’s what makes this whole thing work.”
“There are a lot of organizations in the area that genuinely want to help small businesses (especially downtown), and that’s appreciated. However, navigating all the different programs and resources has been a challenge, especially because there isn’t always great communication or coordination between them. It can feel like a maze, and at times, it pulls focus away from the heart of what we’re trying to build. The best support for us is simple and direct: stop by the shop, spread the word, follow us online, and tell a friend. That kind of everyday support – person to person, neighbor to neighbor – is what keeps local businesses going strong.”
“We’re all in on downtown. This isn’t just a one-and-done venture for us; our group is already moving forward with our next opportunity to grow and invest right here in the heart of St. Cloud. We believe in the potential of downtown and are excited to continue building something special that adds to its energy, history, and future.”
Next time you’re out and about or planning a day of fun, check out O’Brien’s Dry Goods! You can visit their website at obriensdrygoods.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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