Lulu Birds Helps Customers Feather Their Nest

Nesting in the middle of 6th Avenue A in Downtown Kenosha is Lulu Birds, a charming and ever-evolving vintage shop that feels more like a cozy haven than a retail space. Step through the doors and you're immediately greeted by warm lighting, thoughtfully styled vignettes, and a nostalgic energy that invites you to slow down and explore.

It’s a vibe that only comes from years of love, labor, and a little bit of magic – much of which has been poured in by Joy Ermert, the visionary behind Lulu Birds. This year, Joy celebrates an incredible milestone: 10 years in business.

“Running Lulu Birds is the hardest job I’ve ever had,” Joy Ermert says, “but it’s also the most rewarding.”

The past decade has taken Joy from hosting garage sales to running a full-fledged shop that’s now permanently housed in a beautifully restored building at 5913 6th Avenue A. The space, built in 1912, features arched walls, exposed brick, original tin ceilings, and tall windows that flood the store with natural light – making it feel like it was meant to become Lulu Birds’ forever home.

Lulu Birds

“We love our new nest, and so do our customers! It’s warm, inviting, and cozy with great vibes. The new storefront fits us to a tee,” Joy beams.

While the aesthetic of the shop has always been a standout, the new space has truly elevated the entire experience. “The whole blend of our offerings inside this gorgeous historic building has taken everything to the next level,” she says. And if you ask the regulars and vendors, there’s one unsung hero of the move: “Parking!” Joy laughs. “Everyone mentions it first.”

But what truly makes Lulu Birds shine isn’t just the space – it’s the ever-changing, trend-savvy collection of vintage, handmade, and repurposed finds, made possible by a tight-knit group of 30 incredible vendors. Joy’s dedication to curating a shop that feels current while celebrating the past has earned Lulu Birds a loyal following.

“I still love the hunt,” Joy says. “There’s nothing like finding something special. That feeling never goes away.”

Like any small business owner, Joy has faced her share of challenges – some that nearly derailed everything. She points to the COVID-19 shutdown as a defining moment, one that forced her to reimagine her entire business model.

A deep-rooted community connection is something Joy cherishes most about being in Downtown Kenosha. “Watching our downtown grow and thrive over the past 10 years has been a privilege. None of it happens without the hard-working business owners, volunteers, and supporters who push us forward every day.”

Lulu Birds

10 Year Anniversary Celebration: April 12, 2025

Now, as Lulu Birds celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Joy is inviting the community to join in on the celebration. On Saturday, April 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM, Lulu Birds will host a festive in-store event filled with:

Exclusive giveaways
A special anniversary raffle
In-store sales and vendor specials
Complimentary refreshments and treats
A nostalgic walk through Lulu Birds’ journey

Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone who’s just discovering the shop, the event promises to be a joyful, welcoming celebration of everything – and everyone – that has kept Lulu Birds going strong.

“It feels surreal,” Joy says. “Some days it feels like we just opened, and other days it feels like 100 years,” she jokes.

Lulu Birds

When asked what she’s most proud of, she doesn’t hesitate. “The relationships I’ve built with vendors, customers, and fellow business owners. And honestly – overcoming the hurdles and hardships that came my way. I never gave up, even when things looked bleak.”

There are moments Joy will never forget – especially those when people showed up at her lowest. “There are a few people I can’t name, but I hope they know they hold a very deep and grateful place in my heart.”

And while Lulu Birds has grown and evolved over the years, it remains rooted in joy, resilience, and a love for preserving the past. “When I hear people walk around the shop and say, ‘Oh my mom or grandma had this,’ and I see that little spark of memory – it brings me so much joy.”

As for what’s next? Joy’s just excited to keep going. “Who has time to think about the next 10 years?” she laughs. “I just feel blessed to continue doing what I love and calling it a job.”