FARGO — When she realized Tootsie's Children's Boutique was outgrowing its home in the Veterans Square development here, McKenzie Kjos saw an opportunity to open a second store.
On Monday, March 1, Kjos relocated the store that sells children's clothing in sizes ranging from preemie to size 6 to the BLU 32 development at 4600 32nd Ave. S. Suite 100.
Later this month, the 27-year-old entrepreneur will open Kenzie + Co. Kids Boutique in its place at 5670 38th Ave. S. Suite E. The boutique will pick up where Tootsie's left off, carrying children's clothing in sizes 6 to 16.
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Fargo native opens children's clothing boutique in south Fargo FARGO-McKenzie Kjos looked at what the community lacked when she picked the concept for her first business.The 24-year-old Fargo native who always loved fashion grew up telling people she'd open her own store. For a long time, she assumed she'd g...
Kjos grew up interested in fashion and got her first break selling women's clothing at Apricot Lane in West Acres. After about four years, she stepped out on her own to open Tootsie's Children's Boutique.
She attributes her success to loyal customers. That's held true during the coronavirus pandemic.
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"When I first heard COVID was starting, I have to admit I was really nervous. I knew that small businesses were going to be affected," she said. "But, luckily, we stayed busy the whole time. Definitely more online during the worst of it, but everyone was still shopping."
Kjos said she stocks trendy children's fashions as well as classics that can be passed down to future generations. She also carries lines that aren't available at Target and other retail stores, such as Posh Peanut, Mayoral and Splendid. Also popular is Copper Pearl, a line of bibs, blankets and more.
Kjos said she chose to relocate to BLU 32 because she considers it a "one-stop shop for mom."
"I liked that this whole little 45th Street and 32nd Avenue area was geared toward women, so I thought it would be a very good spot for me," she said.
Also at BLU 32 are Mainstream Boutique for women and Druthers for men. Nearby are at the Shoppes at Blu Water Creek are women's boutiques Willow District , Laurie's and leela & lavendar ; Hair Success Salon and Spa ; Aspire Optical ; A Cutting Edge Gallery of Jewelry ; as well as furniture and decor stores such as Eco Chic , Grain Designs , Dash & White and McNeal and Friends .
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Search " Kenzie + Co. " on Facebook for updates on the store opening later this month.
BUSINESS PROFILE:
What: Tootsie's Children's Boutique
Where: 4600 32nd Ave. S. #100, Fargo.
Phone: 701-639-6259
Online: tootsiesfargo.com or search for "Tootsie's" on Facebook.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
