Square One Goods Co., a card, gift and stationery shop, is set to open at Founders Station in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, Aug. 25.
The 500-square-foot shop will feature Square One’s signature line, locally made products and Birmingham-centric gifts such as “I love you more than James Spann loves suspenders” card, “What the food truck?” t-shirt and “Bham AF” throw pillows.
“We’re beyond excited to be joining the growing family of shops in downtown Birmingham,” said owner Kate Hardy. “The people of Birmingham have been so supportive of our journey, and we’re incredibly proud of our city and its creative talent and can’t wait to show it off. Our aim has always been to add to the vibrancy of downtown Birmingham, provide a place for local makers and creators to showcase their products, and give back to a city that has given so much to us.”
Founder’s Station is on 1st Avenue North between 20th Street North and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard in the historic Caldwell-Milner building. It was developed by Orchestra Partners.
The development is already home to the Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar, a basement speakeasy, and The Essential, a neighborhood café and bar serving seasonal, New American fare featuring local produce.
Cayo Coco, new downtown concept from the owner of The Collins Bar, is expected to open in September.
Hardy began selling her wares in early 2017 as a vendor at Woodlawn Street Market. Later that year, Hardy pitched the idea of a permanent retail location as a finalist in REV Birmingham’s 2017 Big Pitch Presented by PNC. She came in second place.
The cash from her second place win allowed her to open a month-long pop-up shop at Alabama Theatre in December 2017.
According to REV Birmingham, Hardy worked with REV on the search for Square One’s permanent retail space after the success of the pop-up.
Shop visitors also have a chance at a sighting (and possible petting) Square One’s Chief Fido Officer Murphy – a rescue cocker spaniel.
With its new shop, Square One is working to give back to the community with the “All Write” initiative in partnership with Build UP- Ensley. For every stationery item purchased at Square One’s downtown location, they will donate a stationery item to Build UP’s workforce development school serving Birmingham youth.
Build UP provides young people with career-ready skills through paid apprenticeships with industry-aligned academic coursework, leading them to become educated, credentialed, and empowered civic leaders, workers and property owners.
