New Men’s Store in Lincoln, Prairie Threads hosting Grand Opening today

[April 27, 2024]  On Friday evening, the newest store in Lincoln, Prairie Threads, owned by David Welch, hosted a soft opening event for friends and family. Today, Saturday, April 26th there will be a grand opening event for the public. The community is encouraged to check out this novel men’s shop that includes clothing, accessories, books, and much more.

Friday evening at 5 p.m. the intimate group gathered for a ceremonial ribbon cut with assistance from Lincoln Daily News. Those in attendance behind the ribbon included the Welch Family.

David and Melanie were joined by their children Savannah, Davis and Liam, Liams girlfriend Alexis Younger and David’s parents, Tom and Mary Welch. Others behind the ribbon included Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, Alderman Kevin Batman, Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development Director Andrea Runge and her husband John, close friends Bussy and Colleen Roate. The ribbon for the cut was held by Bateman and Logan County Tourism Director Alice Roate.

Prairie Threads is a modified bucket list dream of its owner David Welch. Welch who is the full-time principal at Carroll Catholic School in Lincoln once aspired to own a bookstore. He explained in a conversation with LDN earlier this week that way back in the 90’s he thought about a bookstore, but also recognized that it might not be a good venture. He said that Amazon had dominated to book market making it easy for readers to purchase books from their homes. At the same time, the Welch’s were raising small kids and their time was filled with parenting. He decided the time was not right.

Then, during the Covid-19 pandemic the Welch’s acquired the building at 514 Pekin Street where Melanie opened The Bee, plant store and novelty gift store. She remained there until this year, when she found a store front on the downtown square and relocated to 121 South Kickapoo Street.

David said the move to downtown by Melanie opened a door for him to see his dream realized.

While one will find a selection of books in the new store, there is much more to this retail space. In the reading section there are books on the history of Lincoln the city, Abraham Lincoln, and a selection of books written by local authors. There are also other books on history as well as books on nature.

Outside of the books, the store has an outdoorsy theme, featuring items and clothing for hiking and sports as well as men’s casual wear.

Dubbed as a men’s store, there is clothing, belts, ties, wallets, knives, flashlights, bar items, candles, cigars, thermal cups, coolers, backpacks as well as other unique items.

If you’re looking for band tee’s you’ll find bands such as Bob Marely, the Beatles, and Pink Floyd are well represented in the store.

And if you’re partial to specific brands, the store carries Howler, Marmot Mountain Works, Normal, and Dakota Grizzly.

The small space which once housed Apple Dental has a few rooms where merchandise is nicely displayed and well stocked for the grand opening shoppers.

David is looking forward to enjoying the business and the shoppers who stop in to visit and hopefully make a purchase or two.

Today’s grand opening event will begin at 10 a.m. at Prairie Threads, 514 Pekin Street, Lincoln.

[Karen Castelein/Nila Smith]