Small Business Spotlight: Stomping Grounds

by Kathleen Labbe · Published July 3, 2020 · Updated July 3, 2020

An Interview with Stomping Grounds:

Year founded:

2011

How to get in touch:

Owners: James and Bethany Haswell

Address:

Stomping Grounds

41 Seneca St.

Geneva, NY

Phone: 315 789 1000

Website: www.stompinggrounds.com

Instagram: @stompinggroundsgeneva

Facebook: Stompinggrounds Art : Books : Gifts

What do you sell:

Stomping Grounds is a quirky shop with a vintage aesthetic. We offer fine art printing, full service custom framing, new and used books, greeting cards and stationery, desk supplies, decorative items, and unexpected gifts.

Why did you decide to open your own business:

We opened Stomping Grounds after buying a large group of antique Geneva postcards. The postcards were so beautiful that we were inspired to enlarge them as artwork for our home. We tried to get nice reproductions through a few different online companies, but we had disappointing results. We started looking into fine art reproduction machinery so that we could do the printing ourselves. From there we educated ourselves on picture framing. When we opened Stomping Grounds we focused primarily on digital reproductions of old maps, photos and postcards. Eventually that grew into doing fine art reproductions for local artists. We also found there was a lot of demand for the picture framing side of the business, so that grew. We folded in Bethany’s experience with used and rare books. We also added locally made merchandise because we wanted to support Finger Lakes artisans. The store is named Stomping Grounds because the phrase evokes a nostalgic connection to a special place.

Favorite part of being a small business owner:

The ability to curate a space full of merchandise that people will find beautiful and inspiring.

Why did you decide to locate in Geneva:

In 2007 we were looking for a place situated between James’ job in Syracuse and Bethany’s in Palmyra. James went driving around looking at different towns in the area. He was impressed by Geneva when he stood on the corner of Exchange and Castle Streets and found himself in a bustling urban setting while simultaneously inhaling fresh air from the lake. By the time we purchased the antique postcard collection celebrating Geneva, we had lived here for a few years and fallen in love with the renaissance the city was experiencing. Around the same time we opened Stomping Grounds James got ‘GENEVA’ tattooed on his forearm. He wanted to show his commitment to his adopted town.

Any specials or promotions you would like to advertise:

After the 4th of July we are temporarily moving to open “By Chance or Appointment.” We encourage shopping by appointment because we want our customers to enjoy being in a place where they can be sure that social distancing is taken seriously and masks are required. People are welcome to shop by themselves or in small groups. Framing services are also available by appointment. Even though this is a bit experimental, we hope our customers will schedule times to enjoy the peace and quiet of browsing in our store. Additionally, because of the current situation with Covid-19, we are making daily changes and additions to our website. We invite anyone who feels most comfortable shopping from home to check out our online store (www.stompinggrounds.com.) We offer curbside pickup of online orders or free porch drop deliveries in Geneva.

Best way to support small businesses during COVID-19 and beyond:

That there are so many small, locally owned businesses in Geneva is part of what makes our community strong. The pandemic has caused Geneva’s economic momentum to slow drastically. It could come to a screeching halt. Many downtown Geneva businesses are still figuring out how best to respond to this evolving situation. Business owners are doing all we can to provide good products and positive experiences under extremely challenging circumstances. We know that empty storefronts are spiritually and economically bad for cities. It will require a fight from merchants and Geneva residents to keep as many storefronts full as we can. If someone wants to help their favorite local business but doesn’t know how, call and ask. At the very least the owners or staff will know their Geneva neighbors are concerned.