The Afternoon Celebrates 55 Years

Treasured Omaha retailer The Afternoon has reached a significant milestone – 55 years of providing Omaha with that one-of-a-kind shopping experience that’s eclectic, distinctive and fun. The Afternoon celebrated with a three-day party with cake and balloons, as well as lots of giveaways.

“Over the years, The Afternoon has become so much more than just a gift shop – it’s a place where thoughtful, fun people can go to meet before lunch, procrastinate away from work, make a first date less awkward, or buy a loved one something amazing. I’m proud to work at a community touchstone, a place so overwhelmingly associated with warm memories,” said Jen Go, store manager.

The Afternoon brought its patented blend of wit, panache and “browse-ability” to Midtown Crossing in 2010 as one of the development’s original, family-owned retail partners. Its arrival represented a homecoming of sorts, since The Afternoon originally opened as an art gallery in 1962 near 40th & Farnam.

“Our products and audience have both evolved – from art gallery to gifts and from collectors to ‘just about everyone,’” Go said.

Today’s The Afternoon is known for its wide and ever-evolving range of inventory – everything from art and housewares to jewelry, books and games. “In its early years, the store’s emphasis was on well-designed items, many of them imported, that were not available locally. There is still a strong emphasis on good design and on merchandise that is not available elsewhere,” said owner Marie Clifford.