A downtown Brainerd business recently announced that they will be closing their doors later this summer.

Totally Kidz Shop on Front Street announced that they will be going out of business after calling downtown Brainerd home for the last 15 years. Shop Owner Cindy Rausch cites decreased sales and an influx of online garage sale sites as reasons why she decided to close the specialty boutique.

“I work nights so I actually support myself on the side, so this has just been kind of a fun hobby, just a little extra cash flow for me. At first I was a little sad and did a little crying, but now I’m ready, I think,” said Rausch. “Until the day comes.”

This is the second downtown Brainerd business to announce that they will be closing in recent months. In early March, the Hockey House on Laurel Street announced that they will be closing later this year. While the recent closures may be concerning, other area businesses are hopeful for the future and revitalization of downtown.

“It’s really saddening that the businesses are closing. It’s too bad to see. They’re both very good businesses. Totally Kidz is great, Hockey House has been a wonderful addition to downtown, and I hope they’re on to better things and we can attract some new really great businesses to take over in their spots,” said downtown business owner Brenda Billman-Arndt.

Totally Kidz Shop plans to be open at least until mid-August of 2019.

By — Rachel Johnson

Lakeland News Lead Reporter