MONROE — Longtime Monroe destination House to Home Designs, owned by Robin Nafzger, was recognized by the State Main Street Program (part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation) as having the best storefront display in 2020 during a virtual awards on April 21. Offering paint, window treatments, and in home design consultations, House to Home Designs also has a large retail store focusing on home goods and accents. After first opening In March 2006, it expanded to its current location on the south side of the square in September 2008 and expanded that space in 2018.

Employee Michelle Bisegger has been working there for eight years. Nafzger has entrusted her to do the window displays, which are typically switched out six times annually for seasons and holidays. Nafzger credits Bisegger with having a natural talent and an understanding of design, especially as it relates to repeating elements and reflecting the store’s merchandise. Nearly everything displayed is merchandise for sale. Total cost of display ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Bisegger emphasized that she has learned a lot after so many years, her sister in law had been doing them previously, and that she loves doing it and believes that comes across in and is a big reason for the finished product. While Christmas is the most work, Michelle is partial to the fall display(s) because of the use of color. She continues to take inspiration from Instagram and new merchandise, with no display exactly the same. Main Street’s executive director, Jordan Nordby, emphasized what an honor and how well deserved this is. “Out of hundreds of stores across 35 communities, House to Home Designs won. You only need to spend about three minutes outside House to Home Designs to see people, customers and those passing by, in awe of the window displays and getting lost in them year round. 

Main Street Monroe’s LIVE! shopping nights, which raised over $85,000 for 18 participating businesses in 2020, received honorable mention for best retail event in the state of Wisconsin in 2020. All of the money went directly to stores, with Main Street Monroe covering processing and promotional fees. Nordby is proud to be recognized by the state. “Last year was the same for everyone and for small businesses essentially and with 35 other programs across the state all reacting to the same thing, it really makes all of the work that went into these LIVES! just a touch more worthwhile. It was a bad year in so many ways, but some good things came of it and it’s great to be recognized for that.”  

A big part of the success of the LIVE! shopping nights is because of longtime volunteer Kareesa Wilson. Kareesa volunteered for all shows that happened, committing over 125 hours. She was one of only 11 persons to be recognized at this year’s awards as a volunteer of the year. Nordby is emphatic about Wilson being a key component to the organization’s success. “We’re volunteer driven, and I’m always saying that, but a lot of times that word sort of gets co-opted, but the truth is we have volunteers who commit dozens and dozens of hours a year and that is very special. Kareesa led everyone with her creativity and commitment to Main Street Monroe and our community. Saying we’re lucky to have her is such an understatement.” 

Wilson was also responsible for Main Street’s branded Covid response — Main Street Rocks: Share the Love. That included the initial gift certificate sales program, which was started specifically while stores were closed; resulting in over $30,000 getting to 45 businesses the week certificates were sold creating a cash flow during the lockdown. Wilson also spearheaded the public art installation in September when hundreds of painted rocks were placed throughout the district donating another 100 volunteer hours to Main Street Monroe, Inc. 

Lastly, Main Street Monroe recognized JoAnne’s Dress Shop owner, JoAnne Leuenberger, locally at the awards for being in business on the square for 40 years in 2020. Leunberger started managing a bridal shop in 1980, eventually purchasing it, and transitioning the business to JoAnne’s which is a women’s clothing and accessories store featuring a wide range of clothing and special occasion items. Having been on all sides of the square, she has been on the south side since 2014. As retail has continued to evolve, JoAnne and her many employees continue to focus on quality and adaptable customer service. She notes how thankful she is to be downtown. She is planning a store remodel and continues to expand locally sourced products and recently completed a new website. 

Complete information on Main Street Monroe, Inc. can be found at www.mainstreetmonroe.org.