A new clothing and toy display area has increased floor space at Etcetera Tanning & Clothing by one-third, said owner Jody Davis. Taking over adjacent space that had been empty for some time has increased the size of the business from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.

Located in Albert Lea’s Skyline Plaza, the business opened its doors three years ago, but is not well known except to its regular customers.

“It’s still a surprise to some people who walk past and don’t know who we are or what we have to offer,” Davis said.

Davis, an Alden native, had spent 20 years working in various Albert Lea retail stores before family issues caused her to inquire into the possibility of owning her own business.

“We were expecting a baby, and I was working evenings and weekends with no chance of that ever changing.”

Davis had long wanted to own a store focused on selling children’s clothes, but didn’t know if that alone would be enough to sustain a business. Frustration over preparations for a friend’s wedding caused a shift in Davis’ business model.

“I wanted to get a tan before the wedding, but was having trouble getting enough hours available in the local tanning parlors. I came home and told my husband, Kevin, that this town needed a new tanning business. He said he would support the idea if I wanted to go for it.”

Their discussion was the genesis of Etcetera Tanning & Clothing, which boasts seven tanning beds, a conditioning hydration spa and a full line of tanning lotions. Three hundred tanning sessions a week are typical, Davis said, with business exploding in the winter months.

“A light seems to switch on. Business doubles between December and January. We have many repeat customers, especially in the winter.”

Davis admits she is working more hours than she expected to when she opened the business, but says that is a reflection of the growth of trade. Three part-time employees fill out the staff of Etcetera, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Special deals are available for multiple tanning sessions.

Sixty percent of Etcetera’s business involves tanning, with the remainder focused on the sale of used goods for kids and expectant mothers. Clothes and shoes for younger kids as well as teens are offered, as well as games, toys and books. Maternity clothes are also available. Davis and her staff wash and clean all the clothes and shoes on site, and require that all toys and games have their original pieces and parts.

Davis says she buys some of the pre-owned items, but adds that her business has an option for those looking to sell used items in good condition.

“We have an area where people can drop off items during business hours, and then after we check them out we will pay for what we want. Customers can either receive an in-store credit or a check.”

Etcetera will pay half of what they intend to charge for the dropped odd items. New batteries must be supplied when required, before Etcetera will accept them for resale. Davis said she hopes to have an area ready soon for those who want to drop off items during off-business hours.

Being able to maintain contact with a wide variety of people is one of the prime attractions of owning a retail business, Davis said.

“I love being able to visit with our customers, and even the mall walkers who are just passing by. It brings a lot of enjoyment to what I do.”