Kindness + Co. Bookstore Will Open in Springfield

The new retail space at 739 S. Fifth St. will debut in the fall of 2026 to support local nonprofits.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

A sunlit corner of a bookstore showing rows of wooden shelves filled with books and a simple canvas bag on a display table. — Local residents Cathy Strukely and Tricia McGann are preparing to open Kindness + Co., a community-focused bookstore in Springfield, in the fall of 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you prioritize shopping at businesses that pledge financial support to local nonprofit organizations?

Springfield residents Cathy Strukely and Tricia McGann will open a new bookstore called Kindness + Co. in the fall of 2026. The store aims to support local organizations by donating proceeds and hosting volunteer service projects.

Why it matters

The owners aim to provide financial and volunteer support to existing local nonprofit organizations in central Illinois. By combining retail with community service, the shop seeks to foster local engagement through both commerce and philanthropy.

Kindness + Co. will be located at 739 S. Fifth St., replacing the Fifth Street Flower Shop that closed in 2024. The shop will stock Christian books, apparel, housewares, and jewelry while offering space for Bible studies.

The players

Cathy Strukely

Cathy Strukely is a co-owner of the upcoming Kindness + Co. bookstore.

Tricia McGann

Tricia McGann is a co-owner of the upcoming Kindness + Co. bookstore.

The details

Owners Cathy Strukely and Tricia McGann are currently accepting nominations for nonprofit mission partners through Facebook. The store will feature in-store service projects, such as stuffing envelopes and assembling blessing bags, to assist the selected organizations.

The Fifth Street Flower Shop closed its doors in 2024.
Kindness + Co. is expected to open in the fall of 2026.
A weekly Bible-reading community series will launch on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

Kindness + Co. follows the rise of community-integrated retail models in urban corridors by repurposing a former storefront for social impact. The store positions itself to capture interest from local shoppers who prioritize businesses that align their revenue with charitable outreach.

Local shoppers and community members can impact the store's mission by submitting nonprofit nominations via the company's Facebook page. Residents will also have access to new space for community events, Bible studies, and volunteer service opportunities starting in late 2026.

The takeaway

Kindness + Co. demonstrates how small businesses can integrate charitable service into their core operations. Residents are encouraged to monitor the store's social media pages for updates on how to participate in the monthly nonprofit selection process.