VELKOMMEN TO STABO

Stabo Scandinavian Imports

By Susan A. Stibbe

Velkommen to Stabo, a Fargo store offering items imported from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland along with other merchandise that has a Scandinavian connection or design. It is a specialized gift store with a very wide range of products.

Stabo first opened its doors at West Acres Mall in 1972―the same year the mall itself opened―and has operated continuously since then. “We are one of the few original stores at the mall,” said owner Susan Rusch. “We are still in our same location, although we have expanded our space over the last 42 years.”

Rusch bought the store in 1982 after graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in Scandinavian studies. She has always had an interest in all things Scandinavian. That interest helped her connect with the store and its customers. “You don’t have to be Scandinavian to appreciate our merchandise,” she said. “Scandinavians have a great sense of design.”

Fargo and the Red River Valley have a strong Scandinavian heritage and Stabo celebrates that. “During this time of year, we have a lot of people visiting our area and many of them are interested in finding items that reflect that heritage. We learn from them and they learn from us,” Rusch said. “The community response has been wonderful. Right from day one, people have been incredibly loyal. We have great long-term employees and customers that support us. We have many second or third generation shoppers.” Area foreign exchange students also find Stabo the perfect place to buy a little something that reminds them of home. They especially like the recently expanded food selection. The store offers basic Scandinavian consumables such as candy, cookies, jams, and mixes (sweets, lefse, etc.) many of them hard to find outside their native country.

Stabo offers a big range of merchandise. “Some of our best selling products are glassware―Orrefors from Sweden,

Kosta Boda also from Sweden, and iittala from Finland―trolls, which are always a conversation piece, Norwegian sweaters, and beautiful jewelry. We have stocked these since the very beginning. Styles change but we always have a selection,” said Rusch. “One of the areas that is really growing is our baby and children’s lines.”

But the Stabo treasure trove offers so much more. They have everything from inexpensive, affordable goods to upscale, luxury goods. They stock books with a Scandinavian theme including travel, children’s, local history, and the recently popular Scandinavian crime novels. There is a large selection of exquisite paper products and linens. It is the perfect place to find a gift, be it hostess, wedding, shower, graduation, birthday, or any other celebration. Their inventory can enhance and complement any décor. This writer was especially enamored of the new spatula and utensil line with a Norwegian sweater design. Every kitchen needs one!

Stabo Imports also has a shop in Bismarck, an online presence (www.staboimports.com), and offers a little Christmas catalog for those customers who know the store but live far away. They gift wrap any purchase for free and will ship and mail purchases.

Stabo Scandinavian Imports is a wonderful Fargo/Moorhead institution! Stop in soon! Velkommen! [AWM]