June 2, 2021

Mini-Critters is adding a second Sioux Falls location.

The local pet retailer is leasing the building at 2621 S. Minnesota Ave., which most recently was Fit My Feet. Before that, it was Norman’s Men’s Wear.

In between those leases, Mini-Critters owners Jim and Lisa Dougherty tried to get it but couldn’t get a deal done.

So when they saw it had become available again, Jim Dougherty called immediately.

“We’ve been talking about (a second location) for years and … that building is pretty iconic,” he said. “I think it’s a great retail space for sure.”

The location will allow Mini-Critters to nearly double its retail area compared with the store at 3509 W. 49th St.

“It will enable them to sell more diverse products and more products in general,” said Scott Blount of Lloyd Cos., who leased the space. “It’s a central location on Minnesota Avenue … and I think it will do really well.”

The pandemic proved a strong year for Mini-Critters, which Dougherty credits in part to their team. The couple recently made managers Ryan and Charity Oakes partners in the business.

“We brought them on to give them the wheel,” Dougherty said. “Our store last year was great, and the nice thing is it’s continuing to be like that.”

The new Mini-Critters location will not sell puppies but will sell small animals and fish, along with a wide variety of pet supplies.

“We have limited the number of breeders we get dogs from. We don’t want anything to do with anything that resembles a puppy mill. So every dog that comes in, it’s very rare if they’re here more than three or four days,” Dougherty said.

The 49th Street location includes dog boarding and day care, which the Minnesota Avenue one won’t. The plan is to add grooming on Minnesota Avenue once enough groomers can be hired.

“It’s hard to find groomers right now … so once we have a few lined up, we’ll start construction right away,” Dougherty said.

Otherwise, there’s not much construction needed to get the building ready for retail, he said. The plan is to open sometime in August.