By Jacob Mathias

A new shopping option is soon to hit Wisconsin Rapids’ south side.

After moving to Wisconsin Rapids in April, Kara Sams, owner of the Sweet Tea Clothing Company, noticed a shortage of shopping options in the area and decided to do something about it. Sweet Tea is set to open on October 6 and is located at 821 Pepper Ave., the former location of Karen’s Wines and Steins.

“It’s pretty obvious there’s just not many places for women to shop here,” said Sams. “A lot of times you go into an area and all needs are being met…I thought there was a bit of a shortage here of places to shop.”

Area residents appear ready for a new shopping outlet as Sweet Tea already has over 500 likes on Facebook before they even open.

The boutique clothing store will offer clothing in juniors, misses and plus size clothing options including scarves, boot socks, jewelry, accessories, leggings, tops, dresses and skirts. A small assortment of shoes will also be available made by OTBT (Off the Beaten Track).

Sams said that she has styles that will accommodate young ladies on up and everyone is encouraged to shop at her store. She said the store will have a fun and relaxed atmosphere with a focus on good customer service. The store will have an industrial modern style.

“I think it’s going to be really cool,” she said.

A majority of the items are manufactured in the U.S., a goal Sams had from the start. She said 80 percent of her jewelry is made in the U.S. and the majority of her clothing as well.

“I went to market in Atlanta and I searched out a lot of things that were made in the USA,” she said. “That’s a big plus for me and I think anybody that shops nowadays if they have that option they like that.”

Sams and her husband moved to the area from Alabama and in keeping with southern tradition, she loves sweet tea, hence the name.

The Sweet Tea Clothing Company will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.