OUR STORY | HISTORY OF THE SHOPPE
To truly appreciate who we are and where we’ve come from, we have to start at the very beginning.
HELLO THERE!
Linda McFadden
My name is Linda. I am an Estonian, refugee, wife, mother of three, believer in relaxed entertaining and the founder of Past Basket. For over 45 years, my retail shoppe and the family within has watched as trends shift, buying habits change and the world of retail becomes more homogenized. We too are a constantly changing entity. While we and the world around us change, our core beliefs will never waiver – we are committed to the celebration of the creative spirit, to the building of relationships, not assembly lines and that everything we sell has a story to tell.
IT ALL STARTS SOMEWHERE
THE TIMELINE
“Past Basket Founded
Located in a tiny room within what is now Town House Books in St. Charles, IL, Past Basket opened. The brainchild of Linda McFadden, Past Basket began as a small retail outlet offering artisan-made products for the home. It was a mecca for discerning collectors of American folk art, antiques and primitive pieces. And the name? Linda loved things from the past; the store was small, only slightly larger than a basket.”
“Shoppe moves from St Charles to Geneva
Her shop moved to Geneva, IL’s historic downtown, gaining a reputation for artfully imagined displays, and unique artisan selections. ”
“Past Basket Kitchen Design Founded
As the business evolved, Linda’s husband, Dave started designing kitchens for PB retail shoppe customers.”
“Flagship Shoppe Launch
Seeing opportunity in the North, Linda and husband Dave launched Past Basket’s flagship Wisconsin store in Kohler, WI. An inspirational space, the Kohler store became a destination for anyone with an appreciation for beauty and design. ”
“Milwaukee Shoppe Launch
Recognizing that many Past Basket – Kohler customers were from the Milwaukee area prompted the opening of our third location in Milwaukee.”
“Two Locations Merge
Past Basket Kohler and Milwaukee retail shoppes merge. ”
“Wisconsin’s Premier Destination for Wedding Registry
Past Basket Milwaukee is well regarded in the midwest and is known as Wisconsin’s premier destination for tableware, bedding and wedding registry. Highly qualified, helpful and approachable associates are hallmark traits of the Past Basket team. This customer first focus gives founders Dave and Linda great pride and inspires them to still be very active in the evolution of all that is Past Basket.”
“As a company we are determined to honor and preserve the past while also embracing new designs that will withstand the tests of time, and trends, and allow our customers to carve out their own inimitable history.”
LINDA MCFADDEN, FOUNDER
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