Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium set to open in Grand Marais

Drawing inspiration from her childhood and three scruffy dogs, Annette Block-Valdivia is set to open a new vintage store in Grand Marais, filled with antiques and unique trinkets. 

“The inspiration comes first of all, from just collecting and watching my dad,” Block-Valdivia said. “He had pole barns full of antiques when we were growing up.”

The collecting tradition has remained a staple throughout her life, and when a recent opportunity arrived to open a vintage store in Grand Marais, she jumped at the chance. 

Block-Valdivia will host a soft opening for her new business, Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium, on Friday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store in the former Superior RV Parts & Service building will remain open throughout Labor Day Weekend before transitioning to regular hours, with closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Annette Block-Valdivia holding a historical photo of the former Superior RV building

As the soft opening nears, Block-Valdivia and friends are busy putting the final touches on the building and arranging the space with vintage apparel, dishware, pictures, furniture, and more. 

The store will include “pretty much everything, other than really large pieces of furniture,” Block-Valdivia said. “I always say, the weirder, the better.”

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Annette Block-Valdivia about her new business venture. The audio from the interview is below. 

Kalli Hawkins August 27, 2024