Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Kari Lipscomb
When you walk into Gathered in Topeka, you immediately feel like you are at home.
The comfortable atmosphere and low prices are an incentive to shop there often. The bargains are unbeatable. Families can also stretch their budgets and get some great deals.
Gathered has featured a sign in their store that reads, “Grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between.” The sign is also a nice summation of the items offered in the store.
Gathered began as a small business, but grew into something bigger to help the community. Carol Wingard, who co-owns Gathered with her husband, Kenny, says the business got started as a pop-up shop in their basement.
“We were established in 2021,” she says. “We like to try and be a bright spot in a person’s day if they visit our store. My passion has always been the thrill of the hunt for deals, and when I opened my little store, I was able to share those deals with others. That is how I got the name Gathered, because I tend to gather things.”
Gathered offers high-quality products at a great price.
“We really just wanted to be a community service, and this is something we can do as a family,” Wingard says. “We started out by getting truckloads of Target overstock, and then gradually started to fill in gaps in our inventory by ordering gift items.”
When you walk into Gathered, you can see a wide variety of merchandise including housewares, apparel, toys, and other items to choose from. The store also has high-quality furniture.
Gathered carries a lot of unique kitchen and decor items, as well as a selection of baby needs. When it comes to clothing, Gathered specializes in sweaters, and they have everything from socks to swimwear. They also have a selection of toys ranging from Target items to unique dolls and books.
Gathered has an inventory that changes daily.
Their most popular category of merchandise is probably home decor and baby items, although they also carry a lot of closeout furniture including beds, dressers, credenzas and stands.
Gathered also offers purses, handbags, baskets, health and beauty products, shoes, fabric, bedding, and holiday decor.
“The staff are always stocking our shelves with new items,” Wingard says. “We also have a clearance section with items that are stocked and ready to go.”
Gathered also has a nice area in the store that features their high-quality cabinets.
Gathered is also a dealer for Rock Run cabinets, and they have a showroom in their store. The cabinets at the store are made from aluminum and are then powder coated in 12 different colors. The cabinets are expertly hand crafted. They do not rust, warp or mold, and are perfect for everything from outdoor kitchens to shops, bathrooms and regular kitchens. They have soft-closing doors and drawers. These cabinets are easy to clean, which makes them very family friendly.
Gathered also offers orders for cabinets.
Gathered serves several areas including LaGrange, Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble counties.
Busy shoppers can also stop and have a cup of coffee at the Gathered Coffee Company in the back of the store.
The Gathered Coffee Company employees make lattes and frappés, and also serve various sandwiches and wraps. They also stock cinnamon rolls and homemade bread made with crushed wheat flour. These can also be ordered if you want a large amount. The coffee drinks include Raspberry Mocha Latte, Sweetheart Latte, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hot Chocolate, among others.
Gathered Coffee Company has also featured macaroons and other sweet treats. They also sell coffee mugs and other items.
“Kenny and I both have a love for coffee, and we discovered Guatemala coffee grown in the mountains for a truly unique taste,” Wingard says. “I’ve also always loved the feeling of a coffee shop, with the cozy vibe that adds something special to your day.”
Visit Gathered at 102 North Main Street in Topeka. Call them at 260-585-2907, visit gatheredtopeka.com, and email gathered2020@gmail.com.
