MainStreet Owatonna Announces Retail Challenge Winner

The grand prize winner of the first retail challenge offered by MainStreet Owatonna is Joyce Weese. Weese will receive nearly $30,000 worth of incentives from the local business community. She will also receive a $20,000 grant from the Owatonna Economic Development Authority that will be used for items such as fixtures and retail operating equipment.

Weese's business is called Straight River Rug Hooking and Fiber Arts. Her retail business provides fiber artists with supplies, equipment, instruction and gifts. The store will be at 104 West Park Square. Plans include the selling of fabrics and supplies used in various fibers arts such as rug hooking, applique, braiding rugs, wool felting, stitchery, knitting and crocheting.

Three finalists presented their ideas to a panel of judges last week. There were in all nine concepts presented before the whittling down to three finalists.

MainStreet Owatonna will continue to work closely with Wees to launch her business this fall in downtown Owatonna.