Editors Note: A version of this story originally appeared in the June 21 edition of the Alligator.
What began as a passion for Native American customs expanded into a boutique in 2008. Now the expansion continues in order to serve the community.
Otter and Trout Trading Co., located at 625 W University Ave., recently added a room to its store to make space for the growing collection items but the renovations aren’t over.
Eric Dreaming Trout and Kimberli White Otter teamed up with Trimark Properties to add energy efficient windows and paneling as well as a new look for the store, all while keeping its doors open.
Otter said their main concern is networking with the community to create wellness on a global scale, but closing during construction would hinder these efforts.
“We want whatever the Gainesville people want,” Trout said.
Monday through Saturday, customers eagerly wait until it opens at 11 a.m. and continue to come and browse or seek holistic advice until the store closes at 7 p.m.
Now in the store’s fifth year of being open, the pair plan on continuing to grow, improve and contribute a portion of all profits to the vision of global healing.
