The largest gift shop in downtown Marshall, The Mole Hole, has become even larger with the opening of a new expansion, Toad Hall. Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) congratulated Kristin Holbrook of The Mole Hole with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 19.
Pictured from left Amy Crisp and Kierith Kurth from MAEDA congratulate current owner Kristin Holbrook and original owners Penny and Mike Kinter. Picture by Jane Reid, MAEDA.
Celebrating their 42nd anniversary this year, The Mole Hole of Marshall keeps improving and growing by expanding into an adjoining storefront which has been named, Toad Hall. The newest addition was an adventure that “came by surprise at the last minute,” said owner, Kristin Holbrook. “I always thought I’d like a bit more room, and in August when our rental building became vacant, I decided it was time. It took about four weeks to complete the space and get it open before Thanksgiving weekend.”
The new addition allows for an even larger inventory and provide ample space for customers to comfortably browse. Toad Hall now houses their large selection of greeting cards, games for preschool to adult, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Doctor Who and Games of Thrones themed items, as well as gift books and puzzles. “You’ll be surprised by what you find in the new space. Just moving things around and giving everything more space allows customers to see everything The Mole Hole has to offer,” said Holbrook.
Our store names are themed around the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. The book focuses on the characters Mr. Mole and his best friend Mr. Toad. Our clothing store is the Wind in the Willows, while our main store, The Mole Hole, carries the name of the place where Mr. Mole lives and our new store, Toad Hall, has the name of Mr. Toad’s home.
The Mole Hole is uniquely known as the only gift shop in the world with a pipe organ and also features a year ’round Christmas loft, toy store (Mr. Mole’s Toys), apparel boutique (The Wind in the Willows) as well as a large variety of gifts and home decor in the original space.
Some may find the extensive assortment of product overwhelming, but you’ll be sure to find something for everyone when you shop for a gift or something personal. The store currently carries top brands including Vera Bradley, Baggallini, Willow Tree, Tervis, DaVinci Beads, Wee Forest Folk, Fontanini, Woodwick Candles, Lizzy James, Natural Life, Amber and natural stone jewelry, essential oils and diffusers and kitchen gadgets. You will find a unique selection of clothing, scarves, jewelry, handbags, socks, gloves, jackets and more in The Wind in the Willows and a nice selection of toys in Mr. Moles Toy Room.
The Mole Hole is open seven days a week to accommodate every customer and is located at 150 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Marshall. Call them at 269-781-5923, visit their website, www.moleholemarshall.com and like them on Facebook.