Holiday Profile: Kimman's Co.

Business Name: Kimman’s Co.
Location: 1004 Caroline Street
Regular Business Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: www.kimmans.com
Instagram: kimmansco

Caroline Morris first opened Kimman’s Co. in 2004 in York, Pennsylvania, when her daughters were growing older and she had “way too much energy for an empty nest,” she tells The Advance.

Morris grew up in an Army family, but her permanent address was always Fredericksburg, where her grandparents lived in the 300 block of Caroline Street.

In 2018, her husband retired and they moved “home” to the Burg – and Morris relocated her shop to Caroline St.

She said she’s seen downtown change a lot since she was a child.

“I’ve been shopping on Caroline St. since I was born, so I’ve seen it change from Leggett’s (department store) and Newberry’s (five and dime) to little individual shops,” Morris said. “But it’s always been the same phenomenal community.”

Though there are many downtown gift shops, she said, each one “brings its own perspective” so there is truly something for everyone.

Kimman’s has a dedicated clientele from all over the area who shop online, visit the store when they’re downtown, and always find something quirky and unique.

Three Questions for the Owner

FXBG Advance: Tell us about your family history in Fredericksburg?

Caroline Morris: My great-grandfather had a store on Caroline Street in the late 1800s and was our Postmaster, so I follow a tradition, I guess. One of his counters is in use in my store now. Once the Post Office was built (now City Hall), he closed his store and became the full-time Postmaster. Other good vibes in my store are the card displays that were used in Goolrick’s for many years. I remember many an egg salad sandwich at the counter with my grandmother.

FXBG Advance: What makes your business or product unique?

Caroline Morris: We are a full gift boutique, but we also offer a full array of custom invitations that we do in house or source from about 20 other companies such as Crane. The newest addition of personalization that we offer is engraved gifts while you wait. We offer about 200 different items that can be engraved. You can have your grandmother’s recipe put on a cutting board or slate, or you can pick up engraved ornaments for the newest baby in the family or to celebrate your first Christmas together. One engraved keychain or 1,000 coasters – we have you covered.

FXBG Advance: How else are you involved in the Fredericksburg community?

Caroline Morris: During my time here, I have been a member of the UMW College of Business Board. I have been a board member of Main Street. I am currently a member of the Satellite Rotary Club and am the acting secretary.

We had a ribbon-cutting!

The Fredericksburg Advance held a ribbon-cutting at the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Economic Development on Monday morning, with Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and other local elected officials in attendance. Read more about this event in our afternoon issue!

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