The Loft and Duck Worth Wearing are still in the process of moving and expanding. The Main Street shops had originally planned to move in September but realized more time would be needed to accommodate protocol and procedures behind the Main Street Challenge Grant, which is funding the renovations.

“We are now looking at having Duck Worth Wearing ready by February. We will then take about a week to transform the two floors of The Loft,” said Amy Abrams, owner of both consignment stores.

Duck Worth Wearing is known for offering children’s and maternity goods. Currently, The Loft is located directly above Duck Worth and is somewhat hidden to the eye. After Duck Worth moves, The Loft will expand, making it two stories.

“We want the bottom floor to be the trendy and classic clothes and transform the second level to prom, clearance, men’s and athletics,” Abrams said. “I also really want to create a fun prom area.”

Duck Worth will move across the street to the empty building that once was Lazy M Shoes. Duckworth’s new location will have double its prior space.

“The move was necessary, we simply ran out of room,” Abrams said. “Duck Worth will be spread out, and it will make it much easier for shoppers to browse. There will also be a back door that customers will be able to use to drop off clothes, which will be very nice.”

Abrams believes that the businesses’ moves and expansions will not only help out her businesses, but Main Street as a whole.

“There won’t be that empty building just sitting on Main Street, which is an eyesore,” she said. “By expanding The Loft to the first level, it will be more visible to Main Street customers. We can do more things with the window displays and draw people in.”

This move and expansion was made possible due to the statewide Main Street Challenge Grant given to the building owner, Caleb Matthews, by Sen. Tom Harkin.

“We are so appreciative of this grant and the chance to expand the businesses,” Abrams said.

Abrams explained that Matthews plans on making the buildings eco-friendly and will use her shops as examples of how to make businesses more “green.”

Once both businesses are settled in their new locations, Abrams plans on hosting grand openings for both stores.

“This will happen; we just need people to be patient. Nobody wants this more than we do; it will be worth it because it is getting done right,” Abrams said.