Owatonna’s Kottke Jewelers is a Downtown Gem

Businesses come and go, but one downtown Owatonna stalwart has stuck around since 1919, and is on its third generation of family operation.

Kottke Jewelers & Gifts is the largest jewelry store in Owatonna and has been voted the Best Retail Jewelry Store in Southern Minnesota. They offer everything from watches to engagement rings, designer jewelry to pearl necklaces, baby gifts to crystal glassware.

The store recently has undergone some remodeling, but Matt Kottke, the third generation to run the store, said they made sure to retain the charm the iconic business is known for. He remembers visiting his grandparents at the store when he was a child. "I was always intrigued by the beautiful and intricate work that they performed," he said.

And since, as Kottke said, their favorite part of owning and operating their own business is pleasing customers, Kottke Jewelers puts an emphasis on greeting customers with a smile, and ensuring customers leave with one as well. Along those lines, Kottke's also offers quality products and emphasizes customer service. Kottke said some customers' families have been buying from them for generations.

Nearly 100 years ago, Kottke's grandfather, Carl, started the business, risking his personal finances to launch the store. Today, the shop is a thriving Owatonna icon in the heart of downtown. Although the business began before the Great Depression, Kottke said it never has hit any big rough spots. And it's still growing today. He said the business has flourished for so long because they insist on quality products. "I truly believe our reputation for treating our customers fairly, honestly, and with a friendly smile, has helped us maintain our success."

Downtown Owatonna is a great location full of opportunity for anyone looking to start a retail business, Kottke said. Having nationally known companies such as Federated Insurance and Jostens within walking distance creates a huge ready-made market. "The Owatonna community is well known for supporting its local businesses, programs and people," Kottke said.

Kottke Jewelers has become the unofficial "ticket master" of Owatonna, Kottke said. If there's a community event, customers can purchase tickets at the shop, from pancake breakfasts to arts and sports events.

Kottke's advice for people looking to start their own business in Owatonna is to be actively involved in the community and to support other community initiatives. "I think it's important to support the community by doing more than just opening the store on a daily basis," Kottke said. "Successful businesses in this community - both big and small - seem to be the ones where their business and/or employees are active in the community ... networking with others ... and supporting the people and their interests that support your business."

Kottke Jewelers & Gifts
115 N. Cedar Ave. | (507) 451-6644

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