About Us
Locally Owned & Family Run
Being a locally-owned, family run store is a source of pride at Mangelsen’s. David Mangelsen and his three children, Marla, David A. & Matt, work together with some amazing team members every day to provide an unforgettable shopping experience.
Mangelsen’s offers the community a family oriented place to shop for fun and sometimes, unusual items. Discover something new in our many departments including Crafts, Art Supplies, Home Decor, Candles, A Year Round Christmas Shop, Giftware, Wedding, Fabrics, Gourmet Foods, The Prop Room (Halloween), and Party Goods. We also offer custom services in our Floral, Framing and Party Goods departments. Going on 62 years, we have had the opportunity to provide a service to nurture bonding time within Omaha families. From hosting family events to selling crafting supplies, we thank you for letting us into your world! We look forward to seeing you soon! P.S. We love to show off our new products – check out the great displays and sample projects next time you’re in the store. If you have a question – just ask – we’d love to help. We are passionate about our store and our customers.
Mangelsen's History
1961
Store opens as a Ben Franklin in Westgate Plaza by Harold and Berenice Mangelsen along with their four sons Bill, Thomas, David and Hal.
1964
Papio Creek floods the store. Determination and dedication by the Mangelsen family and their employees keeps the store open.
1971
Store changes name to HW Mangelsen & Sons
1973
Public hearing on removal of “That Awful Tunnel”. Mangelsen’s adopts the slogan “Mangelsen’s Unique”
1974
Harold Mangelsen creates the advertising campaign “Just North Of That Awful Tunnel” to become part of Omaha history.
1976
Harold Mangelsen is the last person to drive through the “That Awful Tunnel” on 84th Street before it’s torn down.
1976
Mangelsen’s celebrates the Bi-Centennial of The United States.
1977
“Just North Of The Delightful Detour” campaign is born.
1977
Mangelsen’s 1st annual Witches Tea is held in the parking lot.
1978
Thomas D. Mangelsen opens the first of many Mangelsen®—Images of Nature Galleries
1979
Mangelsen’s “Closet” opens with the selection of Halloween supplies, novelty items and practical jokes.
1985
Christmas Traditions year round Christmas room opens at the “Makin’s” store, Mangelsen’s second location.
1986
Mangelsen’s “Closet” becomes “The Prop Room”
1986
Mangelsen’s celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
1991
Mangelsen’s expands to it’s current size of 37,000 square feet filled to the brim with fun merchandise.
1993
David takes sole ownership of the store and the name changes to David M. Mangelsen’s.
1995
Mangelsen’s Fun Club program is born. Making it among one of the first rewards programs in the Omaha area.
1998
The FarmHouse Cafe & Bakery opens next door to Mangelsen’s.
2005
Mangelsen’s holds its 1st annual Big Art Event for current and budding artists.
2011
Mangelsen’s celebrates the 50th Anniversary with a free concert and family fun day including a free Barbecue feast.
2014
The first Manghoulsen’s Halloween store opens on 72nd and Dodge street during the month of October.
2014
David’s three children, Marla, David A. and Matt continue Mangelsen’s legacy by taking on the day to day leadership of the store. David M meanwhile enjoys coming in and “playing store”.
2015
Mangelsen’s celebrates the Fun Club Rewards Program 20th Anniversary. The program is updated to be more streamlined and user friendly in the modern age.
2016
Mangelsen’s celebrates it’s 55th anniversary.
2017
The 40th annual Witches Tea is held in the parking lot for hundreds of children and families.