New Store Wants Locals to Wear Their 'Park Pride'

Just a stone's throw away from —and the —House of Sport is hoping to create a fashion buzz within the Oriole community.

The new St. Louis Park apparel store, located at 6414 West Lake St., is slated to open on Saturday, coinciding with the at the high school.

Longtime Park resident Beth Hallfin is behind the business. A 1985 graduate herself, Hallfin's mother and brother also went there, and her son, T.J., is a current high school student. Naturally, Hallfin bleeds black and orange.

“They say find something you love and figure out how to make a living out of it," she said. "St. Louis Park, sweatshirts, t-shirts—what’s not to love?”

House of Sport has taken over the space of the old . Hallfin said she simply drove by one day, saw a "For Rent" sign, and got inspired. With the proximity to both the school and stadium, it seemed like a perfect spot for an apparel store.

“It was kind of a no-brainer for a location,” Hallfin said.

She signed a lease in July and quickly got to work on remodeling the old hardware store. Husband , along with family and friends, helped Beth paint the walls and ceiling, add carpet, build a dressing room and a counter, and do some minor duct work.

As far as naming the store, Beth decided to pay tribute to St. Louis Park's , which is owned by her father.

“People that know the family will make the connection,” she said.

A first-time business owner, Beth said she is learning as she goes and sometimes can get overwhelmed. But she said family, friends and neighbors have been there for her.

“I’m cautiously optimistic," she said. "But the St. Louis Park community has already been very supportive.”

On Saturday, the store will feature an array of St. Louis Park T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as some other apparel. Longtime Park residents will recognize some retro logos, such as the cartoon Oriole with the "Orange Power" slogan.

Hallfin said she plans on expanding her line by eventually carrying hats, button-up shirts and more. She also said she'd like to do uniforms for some local teams.

Ultimately, she wants House of Sport to be a place that local residents can take pride in.

“Everyone who lives in St. Louis Park loves St. Louis Park,” Hallfin said. “We thought they needed a place to purchase their 'Park Pride' apparel.”

How will the business do? That remains to be seen. But Hallfin said she'd have regretted not trying. Now, with the store opening on Saturday, she hopes that community pride translates into a successful venture.

“Everybody seems excited," Hallfin said. "I hope it speaks to the generations of St. Louis Park.”