Five and dime shops used to be ubiquitous. From small local stores to chains like Woolworth’s, these stores were a treasure trove. Heading to one of these places when you were younger was a feast for the sensations and your parents would pick up everything from hosiery to a hammer and nails and you might even get lucky and get to stop at the lunch counter if your local spot had one. These eclectic stores have mostly faded away, but up in the Sheboygan area, there are two Evans stores that still evoke the old general stores. Inside you’ll find everything you can ever imagine and more. These stores have been serving the area for more than 80 years and if you’re in the area, take a trip down memory lane by making a visit.
Open since 1936, Evans is a Sheboygan-area institution that's been stocking the cupboards and homes of people all over the area. This is truly one of the most unique places. There are few stores like this and Evans harkens back to a totally different time. They stock things you just won't find anywhere else. You can wander these aisles for everything from apparel to home decor.
Walking up to Evans usually gives you an idea what you're in store for. In the Spring, you'll find the sidewalk chock full of flowers and it looks like the front of a home improvement store. You might find a sidewalk sale or some other reason to have the front of the store loaded up with merchandise.
Evans is still considered the best toy store in the area and the front window gives you a peek into why locals love it so much. Have you ever seen such a variety of fun and fabulous things just waiting to be discovered and played with?
Watch your kids' eyes light up as the take in the seemingly endless aisles packed to the brim with fun. They brag that they have more than 5,000 toys and even more products that will help you find the perfect gift.
If Legos are what you need, Evans has you covered with a truly massive selection that even some websites can't match. They carry everything you could ever want or need and it's right there just waiting to be discovered.
Evans is like a combination of a five and dime and a Ben Franklin. You'll find all kinds of crafty things, from fabric and yarn to notions and more. It truly is a one-stop-shop and you'll walk out with the weirdest, most wonderful conglomeration of stuff that you never knew you could get in one store.
You'll find apparel as well as one of the biggest collections of Wigwam socks you've ever seen - that wall seems to stretch on for miles. Stock up to stay warm, find a cute new shirt and grab everything you need to make your home cozy all right here at Evans.
Give yourself enough time to leisurely stroll the aisles. The best part here is turning a corner and discovering a whole new collection of things you never knew you needed. Going to Evans feels a bit like falling down the rabbit hole. There's so much to discover and unearth and you'll have a blast spelunking through each aisle.
Evans is located at 117 Pine St., Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 and 525 Fremont St., Kiel, WI 53042. You can find out more about these fascinating vast stores on their website or by checking out their Facebook page.
