Gregory couple relocates craft store to Chamberlain for new beginnings

Feb. 4—CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. — After nearly a decade in Gregory, Annette and Charlie Wagner have relocated their craft and fabric store, B and F Variety, to Chamberlain — a move driven by shifting economic tides and a quest for renewed vitality.

For 23 years, the Wagners operated a variety of businesses in Gregory, including a bakery, antique shop and even the local movie theater. But it was Annette’s craft store that garnered the most attention, drawing customers from across the region, including neighboring Nebraska.

“There was no other fabric or craft store down there,” Wagner said. “A lot of people came from all over. I did fairly good business down there.”

However, after facing stiff competition from big-box retailers and seeing a decline in local support, the couple closed their Gregory store at the end of 2024. With the decision to move to Chamberlain, the Wagners are looking to tap into a new market and embrace fresh opportunities.

While Gregory, a town once thriving as a hub for farmers and ranchers, was a good home for the business, Wagner said she struggled to compete with the rise of dollar stores.

“I couldn’t go against two of them. It wasn’t going to work,” she said, referring to the arrival of Dollar General and Family Dollar.

Over the years, the Wagners ran several businesses in Gregory, but when local economic development funds were directed elsewhere, Wagner felt unsupported by the community she had invested in for so many years.

Faced with the writing on the wall, Wagner made the decision to close the store in Gregory and relocate it to Chamberlain. The Wagners owned a building in Chamberlain since 2016, initially housing their son’s antique store until he moved. After an attempt to sell the property didn’t work out, their other son suggested a new idea: Move the craft store there and start anew. Though the transition was emotionally challenging, it presented an opportunity to breathe new life into the business — complete with a fresh start and a new name.

With that, the store was rebranded as Craft Addict.

“Before I knew it, my son had renamed the store and created an LLC for me,” Wagner said.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for the Wagners, and the community in Chamberlain has responded warmly.

The store is located at 105 N. Main St. Craft Addict offers quilting fabric, paints, yarn, beads, and other small craft supplies, catering to a variety of creative hobbies. Wagner also plans to offer crafting classes.

“I’m a jack-of-all-trades,” Wagner said. “My experience working in major craft retailers like Walmart, Lee Ward’s, and Hobby Lobby have given me a strong foundation in the craft world.”

Wagner’s retail experience has helped shape her approach to customer service. Over the years, Wagner has learned the importance of maintaining an inviting store atmosphere and offering personalized assistance to customers. She’s applying those lessons to create a space that makes shoppers feel welcome and inspires them to explore their own projects.

Though Wagner runs the store solo — having shifted from a team of employees in Gregory — the transition has been smooth, thanks in part to Chamberlain’s support.

Craft Addict represents more than just a fresh location, it’s a new beginning with possibilities. As she looks ahead, she is excited to expand the store’s offerings. Suggestions from customers already include adding ribbon to the inventory and hosting a “learn to crochet” class.

For those who don’t consider themselves crafty, Craft Addict has something for them, too. The store carries greeting cards, seasonal items, puzzles, office supplies, small toys, floral bushes, and jewelry — making it a place for everyone, whether they’re crafting or simply looking for a unique gift.

Wagner is confident the future of Craft Addict is bright.

“I’ve been in business a long time,” she said. “I’ve seen the highs and lows. But I’m ready for this new adventure, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

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