The ever-popular Harmony Roller Rink in Harmony, Minn., provided hours of kid-friendly entertainment for years while creating memories that are still talked about to this day. Kids from area communities spent their weekends skating with friends to popular tunes under the bright silver disco ball. Now, visitors will be able to shop under the disco ball and admire the wooden floor as they stroll through Harmony’s newest antique mall, Stardust Retro Revival, looking for that treasure.
Thanks to sisters Erica Thilges and Monica Thilges Cochran, the refurbished building will have a new purpose – revisiting old memories while creating new memories and driving business to Harmony.
The building, located on Hwy. 52 in Harmony, sat empty for five years and was on the verge of being torn down until the sisters decided to purchase and transform it into an antique mall. Some of the highlights of the mall that remain from the building’s roller skating days include the original floor and lights.
According to Monica, her sister Erica is the mastermind behind the idea of transforming the rink into an antique mall. However, as Erica quickly pointed out, “If there was no funding, it would not have happened, and that was you. She also had the desire to want to do this.”
So, who are these sisters investing in Harmony’s future?
Their parents, Joan and Harlan Thilges – originally from Fairmont – owned Fairmont Decorating for 28 years, and their daughters grew up in a small business environment. Joan and Harlan purchased New Generations of Harmony, an antique mall, nine years ago.
Erica earned a Master’s in Fine Art and has taken 14 art history classes. She spent 12 years managing a bed and breakfast. With a background in art and a passion for the hospitality industry, she decided it was time for a change after the pandemic hit. She spent a year quarantining with Monica in Madison, Wis., and helping Monica’s oldest son with online learning before moving to Harmony three and a half years ago to take over her parents’ antique business so they could retire. She owns the business with her parents and serves as the mall’s general manager. She will also be the general manager at Stardust Retro Revival.
Monica does not have a background in antiques. She has always worked on environmental things. Currently she is focusing on environmental sustainability for large companies. She is about “trying to do the right stuff,” she explained. She has been making frequent road trips from Madison, where she lives, to Harmony to contribute sweat equity to this project.
Finding the right name for the mall did not happen overnight, but the sisters are confident that Stardust Retro Revival is the perfect name for an antique mall with a rich history and a retro vibe.
Throughout the interview, the sisters repeatedly emphasized that they have “leaned into the vibe” of the old roller rink. They are having fun keeping the memories alive. The first thing shoppers will notice as they walk into the building is a glass display case containing memorabilia from the rink’s heyday, such as a large yellow form die used for games.
The sisters are proud to have worked with local businesses on the project. Within just 10 weeks – from December through February 28, including the holiday season – the building was renovated and ready for business on March 1.
The kitchen equipment was donated to local businesses and area non-profits.
There are 142 booth spaces, and by the grand opening, half had already been rented. Booths are rented by floor space, and the sisters do not take any commission from the sales. If you are interested in renting space, contact Erica at 507-886-7827.
Erica expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “The community has been really supportive, and I think people are really excited to see something going into this building. So many people have generational ties to it – it was almost torn down a couple of years ago.”
The mall’s website, stardustretrorevival.com, is currently under construction. In the meantime, follow the store on Facebook and Instagram or email Erica at stardustretrorevival@gmail.com.
Roll on in! The mall is located at 605 Main Ave. N., Harmony, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 362 days a year.