Owning a business in West Okoboji

We own a business in West Okoboji, Iowa, which is a popular tourist destination in the summer months.  Our business stays open all year, however, in the winter months we do close a few days so we can get everything done and be ready for our very busy spring/summer season.

Our competition is other local businesses and also the stores the tourists leave at home.  We try to watch the products that we bring in so that our business is fresh and different from what our competitors offer in for inventory.  Hiring employees can be quite difficult in a tourist area because they want to work year round and we just need part-time seasonal help.  We promote our business with different events and advertising throughout the year to draw people’s interest to our gift shop — The Wash House.

When possible, we hold a Spring Open House for our returning, as well as new, customers.  In the past one of the popular featured attractions at the Spring Open House is a public wine tasting that includes tasty appetizers.  Of course, all wines tasted are carried in our gift shop.

Located in the center of the Iowa Great Lakes attractions, we offer a great deal to the visiting tourists and returning season guests.  Come shop our three floors of unique gifts and home decor that includes fine French milled soaps, gifts, collectible cookbooks, Iowa native wines, custom wall art, and so much more.

The Wash House Gift Shop is located adjacent to the Okoboji Country Inn