Milwaukee is filled with hidden retail gems boasting unique collections of housewares, clothing, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gift items. In this series, we're highlighting some of the best of the bunch and giving you all the information you need to shop smarter while supporting local artisans and business owners.
Oniomania
6430 W. National Ave., West Allis
(414) 727-9797
@oniomaniawi
When Andrea Kopan opened her art-and-gift shop 15 years ago, she told people it was located in "soon-to-be-fashionable West Allis." And it turns out, she was right.
"There has been so much growth in West Allis in the past few years," says Kopan. "And it's been good for business."
Oniomania – which is loosely translated to mean "insane shopping" in Greek – consigns the work of more than 25 artists. Items for sale include jewelry, candles, journals, lights, scarves, potholders, purses, lip balms, soaps, frames, kids stuff and more. Most of the stock is handmade with a few items purchased from small and / or Fair Trade businesses.
"The key to our success has been rotating our stock and always having different things," says Kopan.
Part of Oniomania's success story also comes from genuine customer service and customer recognition. Since the first year, Oniomania has offered a free pair of earrings during a customer's birthday month.
"The best part of running this business is that I've met so many unique people," says Dale Dehmlow, Oniomania's jewelry artist-in-residence and main employee since the first day of business.
Oniomania is located in a small free-standing building that is more than 120 years old. Kopan also sells her wares beyond the building at the Madison farmers market and numerous pop-ups including this weekend's Pfister Holiday Marketplace.
For the holiday season, Kopan offers a daily deep discount on a particular item or line of items on Facebook and Instagram.
"I love to buy things that make people happy, that make people laugh, that make them say, 'this would be perfect for so-and-so,'" says Kopan. "That's what keeps me in this business."
Oniomania is open during the week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is closed on Sundays.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
