The store specializes in live edge wood furniture and rustic décor which includes pottery, and wood style rustic items.

If you want a special gift or just looking for something unique for yourself, Rustic New Ulm probably has something for you. The store specializes in live edge wood furniture and rustic décor which includes pottery, and wood style rustic items.

Co-owners Brian Ardolf and Denise Foster opened their Rustic store on September 19, 2023. They purchased the building at 4th North Minnesota Street in New Ulm on August 1, so they did some quick renovations. The building housed offices, so they did a lot of changes from the floor to the ceiling and scraped layers from the walls to return it to the original brick.

Ardolf is a general contractor by trade and Foster was a Delta manager who worked in customer service. Combining their skills, they run a successful business. They are able to create some beautiful live edge wood tables, chairs, benches, desks, cutting boards and charcuterie boards.

“My customer service at my previous position does help me when working with customers. And, we both have a passion for wood,” Foster said.

The wood they mostly use for building their furniture comes from Florida and arrives in New Ulm planed and kiln dried. Ardolf and Foster sand and finish the piece plus they add legs to the wood furniture. They also build with local woods, especially black walnut. They only build furniture for selling in the store, they do not take custom orders.

Foster said, “I encourage customers to stop in often. Our inventory changes regularly, so if you see something that you like, you should buy it because it will probably be gone when you come back. Each piece is unique.”

“We have many loyal customers. I want them to see something different each time they stop in. We keep our prices reasonable because we want items to go out the door so we can bring other items in.”

“I try to listen to customers to understand what they are looking for and then try to get those items in the store. I keep a small inventory of each item so there is always a lot of change in the items that are in the store,” she said.

Foster and Ardolf are the only people working in the store which keeps them busy as the store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday; and closed on Monday. Currently, they are offering Ten Percent Tuesday. This offer is good for 10% off live edge slab furniture.

As far as future plans, Foster said, “We do not have any changes planned at this time, We just hope that we can prosper and do well in New Ulm.” Ardolf is originally from New Ulm; however, Foster is from Alaska. She said she enjoys and finds New Ulm to be a very friendly and family oriented town.

To see more of their products and learn more about the store, check out Rustic New Ulm on Facebook and Instagam.