Kittson & Third, a women's clothing store in downtown Grand Forks, has gone global.
Owners Nicole Johnson and Tessa Hiney launched ShopKittson.com late Wednesday night. The site offers many in-store favorites -- accessories, handbags, shoes, clothing -- and plans to offer a bit more.
Hiney and Kittson employee Lexi Johnston created the website from the ground up. "It's been in the works the past two to three months," Johnson said. "We're starting small. We definitely want to be able to work out the kinks."
Kittson & Third, at the corner of South Third Street and Kittson Avenue South, opened its doors in November 2011. Johnson, 24, and Hiney, 26, opened a second store in October 2012 in Bismarck.
Launching a website has always been on the agenda, Johnson said. Though, "not right away. Our main focus was our first store."
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After a large online following, the two Grand Forks natives decided to make a go of it. "We were getting so many orders on Facebook," Johnson said, "so we knew we needed a more efficient, streamlined way to get these orders out to people.
"Feedback has been fantastic. We're really excited about it," she said.
The site has several options up, though by clicking tabs labeled "bandeau, nail/hair/makeup," site users are prompted to check back soon. But based on Kittson's Facebook page, the goal is to eventually offer all in-store items online.
"Social media and the online world have been such a huge help with our business especially connecting with a younger audience," Johnson said. "It's been a great way to have interaction with our customers."
Lavine is Accent Editor at the Grand Forks Herald. She can be reached at (701) 780-1265 or by email at mlavine@gfherald.com .
