River Traders is a one-stop souvenir shop in Guttenberg
Lynda Frangipane manages River Traders, which opened in Guttenberg before Memorial Day. (Press photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten
Visitors and locals will find a wide selection of Guttenberg- and Iowa-themed souvenirs and sweet treats at River Traders. The new business opened at 528 S. River Park Drive, in downtown Guttenberg, just before Memorial Day.
River Traders is owned by Simon and Marina Shaked, who also have stores in Duluth, Minn., and Marquette, Mich. Guttenberg native Lynda Frangipane is the manager.
The location was the long-time home of Kann Imports, which closed at the end of 2023. Frangipane worked at Kann Imports for six years after moving back to the area in 2013, and was the manager when it closed.
Being back in the space “feels like déjà vu,” she remarked. “I was here to help Kann Imports box everything up to send off to auction. Then, here, at River Traders, to set up a new store.”
The building underwent a year of renovations to become River Traders, which sells a huge selection of adult and children’s apparel, largely sweatshirts and T-shirts. Most are Guttenberg-themed, in a range of colors and designs.
“And you can customize,” said Frangipane. “Get a plain T-shirt, come over here and pick a design and then I’ll print it.”
Other offerings include Iowa and Iowa State apparel, hats, jewelry, key chains, blankets, puzzles, drink ware, sunglasses, toys and stuffed animals. Really, any souvenir you can think of.
There’s also a selection of over 200 kinds of candy, fudge and truffles and soda pop in glass bottles.
“People are in awe,” Frangipane said. “They get to that first candy rack and say, ‘Look at all this.’ I go, ‘Honey, you’ve just begun. There’s a lot more.’”
Frangipane believes River Traders brings variety to Guttenberg.
“A new business in Guttenberg, to me, is a plus,” she said. “I’ve heard nothing but great comments. People are saying this is what Guttenberg needed, like with the souvenirs. A lot of times, tourists are looking for souvenirs, something that says ‘Iowa,’ something that says ‘Guttenberg.’”
And it’s not just tourists who are patrons, but locals too.
“The locals have come in. They’ll say, ‘Oh, I don’t have a Guttenberg shirt,’” Frangipane noted.
River Traders is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. When Simon suggested staying open later, Frangipane said “everyone thought he was nuts. Everything around here closes at 5. He said, ‘I’m going to be the exception.’”
Weekends have been especially busy, according to Frangipane. She’s excited to welcome customers—both old and new faces.
“I love retail and I love meeting people. That keeps me motivated,” she said. “I like this a lot.”
