Meet Nicole Haas | Small Business owner- gift shop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Haas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from running my business is to trust and believe in the people I’ve hired to do their jobs. Most people want to do their best and it’s up to me to let them! Mistakes and learning are happening all the time, I have found that if I give my employees the space to develop they usually surprise me and end up doing far better than I had hoped and perhaps better than what I could do within my own skill set. I believe in collaboration and communication and this job has taught me that!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own a small retail shop. It’s a new-style old-thyme general store. We sell everything you can imagine a traditional general store would sell, but with an emphasis on fun and funny gifts for everyone. We are trendy and pop-culture forward, but you’ll find plenty of nostalgia around every corner.

There was certainly a learning curve to running my shop. From the first year learning the basics to surviving the crazy ins and outs of COVID to dealing with supply issues and price fluctuations due to tariffs, it’s not easy. And yet, we have kept our lights on and our doors open. This is because of my amazing staff and customers that choose to support small businesses. Sure it’s easier and sometimes less expensive to buy on-line or from big box stores, but we pride ourselves on customer service and a fun experience while shopping that is beneficial to the community and economy!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start with a cup tea from In-Tea. Check out all the shops on Main Street and the surrounding blocks. There are so many great boutiques and shops. White Oak, Colorado Frame, Else Wear and Juniper Seed are some of my favorites. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring businesses. My shop, General Store 45, is right in the middle so I get to see everyone coming and going. I’d also hit Pho Real for lunch or Cafe Terracotta. Yummy! I’d try to catch a play at Town Hall Arts Center and then I’d finish the night off with ice cream from Inside Scoop. This a perfect day on Main Street in Historic Downtown Littleton .

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My team. Without a doubt I could not run this amazing shop without them. I am so grateful for them and my family who also work at the shop.

Website: https://Www.generalstore45.com

Instagram: General_store_45