Hobble Creek Barn Boutique reopens after a year of closure

Hobble Creek Barn Boutique in Mapleton had its grand reopening on Feb. 3 after a year of closure due to coronavirus restrictions.

“Numbers are down, but the people who are here are ready to shop and are tired of being cooped up,” said local vendor Shelley Cleveland, who sells Christian illustrations on ceramic tiles at Hobble Creek. “People want tangible. They want to touch things, to see things, and you don’t get to do that online.”

Opening day came as a relief to the boutique’s owner and operator, Misty Solis, who recruited vendors knowing it was possible that the event would have to be cancelled as pandemic rules continued to evolve.

Local vendors sold soaps, candles, baby clothing, jewelry and home decor at the Mapleton Memorial Building until the boutique closed again on Feb. 6.

“When we very first opened, it was a huge rush,” Solis said. “So far it's been good. We were really hesitant, but it ended up going really well.”

The reopening was possible because of strict health guidelines. One-way directional shopping and wider aisles were added to ensure patrons could maintain six feet of distance from each other. Booths were sanitized regularly, and a maximum of 50 people were admitted at one time. Masks were required for customers and vendors alike.

Solis hopes the socially distanced environment will help everyone warm back up to in-person shopping.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep everyone safe,” she said.