Double K Specialty Inc. in Austin will pack up the pets and move to new digs in Mapleview later this month.
The store, currently at 803 18th Ave. N.W. in Austin, will close July 28-29 and reopen on July 30, in the new location at 2206 Fourth Street N.W. in Mapleview, says owner Kyle Klaehn. The new location is only seven or eight blocks from the current one, but Kyle says they'll have more room in two neighboring buildings, and "the biggest factor was getting into an ownership position, rather than leasing."
The building where Kyle's pet business will be located has been vacated by Midnight Sun Spas , which is moving to Owatonna. The other building, a former implement dealership, is vacant and Kyle plans to grow his shoe business, currently anchored by Red Wing boots and shoes . He's the only Red Wing dealer in the Austin area.
Kyle, 47, has owned the business for 22 years. He's originally from Dexter but knows the area around northwest Austin well -- his wife grew up there and "that was a highly traveled road for me in my teen years."
In case you were wondering, Dover-Eyota Schools Superintendent Bruce Klaehn is his cousin and also grew up in the Dexter area. -- Jay Furst
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