After more than a decade in business, Brambles still buzzing

CEDAR RAPIDS — Three years after Second Avenue SE was closed at 10th Street SE to make way for the Physicians' Clinic of Iowa Medical Pavilion, Brambles Gift Shoppe is busy preparing for its annual holiday open house.

Tucked away in the basement of the former First Baptist Church at 1200 Second Ave. SE, Brambles is somewhat of a hidden gem. The front door is located just off the alley, and you can't see the storefront from the street.

But Brambles is there, and has been for the last 12 years.

'Lots of people are surprised we've been here that long,' said co-owner Sandy Emerson. She and friend Beth Heideman own the shop and truly love their work.

Emerson and Heideman have developed a great working relationship that keeps Brambles buzzing after more than a decade in business.

Heideman handles the paperwork and the financials while Emerson handles running errands. Both women handle the merchandising.

'I wish I had more time to focus on just the decorating,' said Emerson. 'Running the shop takes more time than we ever thought.'

Emerson said things will only get busier with the approaching holiday season. Brambles will host its annual holiday open house from Nov. 13 through Nov. 15.

Emerson said shoppers are amazed at the sheer amount of items packed — from floor to ceiling — into the 4,000-square-foot store. The store is set up in vignettes that invite customers to take their time with their browsing.

Shoppers find a variety of eclectic and unique gifts, home décor and antiques.

'A big part of what people like about shopping here is the ambience,' said Emerson. 'People like that we have a relaxing vibe, it's not hurried. You can just come in and look around.'

While Brambles has always been in this location, the amount of products featured has increased dramatically over the years. Shipments of new products are sent to the owners' homes as they don't have any storage space at Brambles.

Emerson and Heideman prefer to focus on the smaller wholesale markets, such as in Madison and Minneapolis, to find new products for the store.

'We really try to find things you don't find anywhere else locally,' Emerson said. 'We focus on shabby chic, primitive, and country items. We are not modern or glitzy.'

At a glance

• Business: Brambles Gift Shoppe
• Owners: Sandy Emerson and Beth Heideman
• Address: 1200 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Phone: (319) 362-1313
• Website:

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brambles-Gift-Shoppe/120344807994056