The paint is barely dry, but Periwinkle Marketplace in Ottertail is open for business again. After losing everything in a fire over a year ago, Owner Stephanie Ellingson started from scratch in redesigning the store from top to bottom. A vibrant teal and blue color scheme immediately grabs visitors attention before they even step inside.
"It's a fun lake place," Ellingson said. "You can't miss it."
While the store's footprint is almost half the size, square footage was sacrificed for an open floor plan that isn't as "chopped up." Tall ceilings combined with open rafters create a nautical theme that pairs with the store's lake focused merchandise.
Everything from home decor, to boutique women's clothing and kitchen accessories are all under one roof. The store has also expanded its mens and kids sections, while adding a wide range of vintage and novelty candy, as well as craft bottle soda.
Ellingson's dutiful curation is present throughout the store, as many displays are organized by color.
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The parking lot was full on Monday afternoon as faithful customers and old friends checked out the new space.
Ellingson said it's nice to be open again, and she's excited to welcome customers.
While Ellingson never doubted whether or not she wanted to open again, she said friends asked her if she was sure.
"Think about your future," she remembers some saying.
Fire broke out in a shed attached to the building, and while firefighters were able to save the adjoining liquor store, Periwinkles was destroyed.
While the design process started immediately, cleaning up the wreckage from the fire took far longer than Ellingson hoped for. After the debris was tested for pollutants, it was finally shipped off and Woessner Construction was able to break ground. An official grand opening is planned for May 18th.
