Although you wouldn’t know it now, Five Swans Boutique actually started out as a Scandinavian home store before becoming the beautiful, trendy home boutique it is now. “The store has been in business since 1966,” says Kim Zitzloff, store manager. “My husband’s family bought the current building and the store.” The store has evolved from Scandinavian-focused items to include tabletop, hostess gifts, entertainment prep, and even bridal registries. “This is really a one-stop shop for home décor needs and much more,” says Kim.
Even though the store doesn’t sell Scandinavian-only goods, its name harkens back to the five Scandinavian countries—infusing the old with the new. While Five Swans has been in a few different locations since its inception, their current home in downtown Wayzata allows them to serve a variety of customers and develop those lasting relationships. “Part of our appeal is that we focus on the customer experience and what we can create in person,” says head buyer, Jeni Wojhan. Given their exceptional dedication to customer service and the need to see the product textures and colors, they encourage customers to come in and shop as opposed to ordering online. “Coming to our store is an experience!” says Kim.
Five Swans is really known for creating dreamy tablescapes and helping customers create their own with new pieces and pieces they already own. Both Kim and Jeni have become experts at creating inspiration for their customers by helping them start with what they have and then going from there based on the occasion and season. When creating tablescapes, they definitely have a process to follow. “We recommend having a nice assortment of basic dishware on hand,” says Kim. “Then you can really jazz it up with different colors and patterns. Use accessories such as different paper products, salad bowls, and linens to create texture.”
Mixing what you have with new things in the store is both economical and eco-friendly. “A lot of people will use the dishware they have and then purchase fun salad plates to put on top of their dishes to add some newness and freshness for the season,” says Jeni.
Even though every holiday, season, or occasion is fun to style, Jeni and Kim love creating holiday tablescapes, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. “It is just so fun, and there is a lot of product to pick from!” says Jeni. And above all, they want their customers to come away feeling inspired. “We hope our customers seek inspiration and freshness in adding to what they own,” says Kim. “We have a lot of customers on a first-name basis, and they always say, ‘There is nothing like this, there is no store like this.’”
If you are looking to freshen up your décor, purchase a gift, set up a registry, or even order faux floral arrangements (yes, they even do that!), visit Five Swans in downtown Wayzata and check it out for yourself!
https://fiveswans.com/