A women's clothing boutique is planned for the former LA Suits space on the corner of Kittson Avenue and South Third Street in downtown Grand Forks.
The new business, appropriately named Kittson & 3rd, is expected to open in early November. It will sell new women's clothing, hand bags and accessories as well as specialty items such as handmade jewelry and gifts.
"It's going to look upscale," said co-owner Tessa Hiney. "We want to do affordable, trendy clothing as well as specialty gifts. We will have clothing for all ages and a wide array of things."
Hiney said she and fellow owner Nicole Schiller have secured a six-month lease for the 2,500-square-foot space.
The city's Finance and Development Committee on Monday considered a recommendation by city Urban Development Director Greg Hoover to approve the business as a Grand Forks Renaissance Zone project, making it eligible for tax breaks. The City Council will take a final vote next Monday.
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If the city grants approval, Kittson & 3rd could receive a five-year state income tax exemption. Since the owners are leasing, the business is not eligible for property tax exemptions, an incentive often offered to encourage businesses to locate downtown.
Hiney said she and Schiller plan to open the boutique regardless of whether they receive the tax exemption, estimated to total between $8,000 and $10,000. She said, however, an exemption would help the business get on its feet.
"It is an incentive to locating downtown," she said. "It could be the difference between being able to be there for many years and not. When you're in a start-up mode, everything helps."
The new store will be across the street from the Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio and close to the True Colors consignment shop, also on South Third Street.
"The more similar businesses you have in an area, the more of a draw you have for people. They can come downtown and hit four or five stores at one time," she said.
In addition to selling Hiney's handmade jewelry, the store will feature local artwork and handmade gifts, including makeup bags and hand bags. It will also carry some licensed UND athletic apparel.
Hoover said the boutique is the type of business downtown needs.
"Anytime we can get a business downtown, it is a good thing," he said. "Downtown continues to be a viable place. There is a market for downtown."
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He is optimistic the recent addition of more housing downtown will lead to more retail development, he said. His department soon will begin putting together a more complete plan for downtown development.
Schuster reports on business. Reach him at (701) 780-1107; (800) 477-6572, ext. 107, or email rschuster@gfherald.com . Follow Schuster on Twitter at @RyanSchuster and visit his business blog at thebuzz.areavoices.com.
