Empty storefronts are rapidly getting filled in Decorah and Winneshiek County

It was just a little over one year ago that there was concern about the number of empty storefronts in Decorah. Several retirements had led to businesses closing along Water Street, leaving the buildings dark.

While the empty storefronts drew public attention, a recent metamorphosis in Decorah's downtown business sector has gone under the radar--but it is happening.

Winneshiek County Development Executive Director Stephanie Fromm says there are ten new businesses or businesses with new owners in  Decorah and another two new business ventures in Calmar.

Fromm says, "The interest in Winneshiek County is incredibly high. Over the past year, WCDI has conducted approximately 70 business counseling sessions and consulted with 70 potential new businesses and 33 retail/commercial real estate owners seeking help to fill empty store fronts and office space." According to Fromm, these numbers are almost double what they were a year ago. "It's a very exciting time to be an economic developer," said Fromm.

One of the new businesses coming to downtown Decorah is Cardboard Robot -- a retail maker shop providing ideas and supplies for people to make things. Cardboard Robot owner Eric Sovern says, "The idea was born from my years as a basement workshop tinkerer and as the parent of a 10-year-old. We'll carry art supplies, paper products, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) kits for kids, and coding and electronics supplies. The store will appeal to all kinds of creative people and anyone looking for the perfect gift for kids or adults who value the concept of making something." Cardboard Robot is located in the old Story People studio on Winnebago Street. Sovern says he is hoping to be open by mid-October.

Another new business planning to open its doors in Decorah in October is Gracie's Boutique, located on East Water Street in the former Lillesoster Butikken space. Gracie's Boutique owner Tiffany Murphy says opening a store in Decorah has always been in the back of her mind -- something she wanted to do, but never thought she would have the opportunity to do until much later in life. She says, "After a few stores closed downtown I hated to see people leave the community to shop and I disliked having to drive to find high fashion items. The opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it!"

Murphy says her store will carry sizes S-3XL and offer women's clothing, shoes, athletic wear, jewelry and accessories. "What will set this boutique apart from others is the truly unique items and brands that are usually only carried in larger metropolitan areas or department stores, I will be offering them right here. I have been networking with these unique brands for a while and am excited they will be available in Decorah."

According to Fromm, it's been an active development year in Decorah and Winneshiek County.

Decorah Businesses:
The Getup - http://www.getupdecorah.com/
Cardboard Robot - https://www.card-bot.com/
The Goods - http://thegoodsdecorah.com/  (recently opened)
Backwater Spirits - https://www.facebook.com/Backwater-Spirits-More-2072955022983698/
Broker Leather - https://www.facebook.com/brokerleather/
Gracie's Boutique - https://www.facebook.com/Gracies-Boutique-1267264056734542/
Anthem Archery - https://www.facebook.com/pg/AnthemArcheryLLC/about/?ref=page_internal (new owners)
Luna Valley Farm - https://www.facebook.com/lunavalleyfarm/ (recently opened, Friday night pizza-on-the-farm)
Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Company - https://www.facebook.com/sugarbowldecorah/ (new owners)
Wildcrafted Acupuncture and Herbs - https://www.wildcraftedacupuncture.com/
Calmar Businesses:
High, Wide and Handsome - https://www.facebook.com/High-Wide-Handsome-990437294426733/
PIVO Brewery - https://www.facebook.com/PIVOBrewery/