Britta’s Boutique opened this September on Main Street in downtown Stillwater, between Stillwater Olive Oil Co. and Art’ N Soul.  The clothing is targeted at teenagers and mothers.

Tim and Kim Erickson used to own The Courtyard Boutique in Nisswa Minn, and decided to open a new boutique in Stillwater.

The owner of the boutique agrees with Forbes Magazine on Stillwater being such a pretty town.

Owner Kim Erickson said, “Stillwater is  a tourist destination, and we have found tourist destinations are fairly recession proof. The Bluffs and natural beauty of Stillwater make it unique. The river is a great recreation area too.” She added, “The location is also one of the best locations we have ever had.”

Students enjoy shopping downtown and agree that it is a good location for a new boutique.

Junior Marla Martin said, “It’s an old town and a lot of people come to visit just for the downtown, and if we have new shops we will have more returning tourists.” She added, “There is a variety of shops, so you can add a little bit of everything to your experience of going downtown.”

Owning a business can be extremely difficult, but Erickson has experience.

“I started in management right after college, and when I was newly married. I moved to Fort Myers Fl., and managed the third store in our family’s chain of stores. I gradually moved up in the family business, and before I purchased my stores, I was a full time buyer and merchandiser for six stores in South Florida,” explained Erickson. “I have owned and operated five other stores in the last 20 years.”

Britta’s Boutique has a interesting meaning behind the naming of it.

Erickson said, “Britta is my eight year old daughter. I lost a boutique in Florida after hurricane Charlie in 2006, and always wanted to name one after my daughter Britta as she was born ten months after the hurricane.”

Despite the competition downtown with the other boutiques, Britta’s has a unique style.

Martin said, “I like the unique variety of clothing and a lot of jewelry to choose from.”

Downtown Stillwater will benefit greatly by the addition of a new clothing option for teenage girls and mothers.

Erickson said, “Our merchandise is classified as Resortwear. It is neither too casual, nor too dressy. I have been buying this type of inventory for 25 years.”

Stillwater shoppers now have a new store to visit while they enjoy all the beauty that downtown Stillwater has to offer.