NAICS Code 448

Location 200 Watson Street, Ripon, WI 54971

Nearby Businesses Holly & Ivy, Hamilton’s Ladies Apparel, Tango-Uncorked, Only Her Clothing Boutique, Reflections, Farrell’s Fine Furnishings, A Simpler Time, America (restaurant)

Owner/Manager Robyn Mockus

Special Store Activities Web blog, online store tour

Year Opened 1998

Website http://www.tracyporter.com

Phone 920-748-4880

E-mail georgies@centurytel.net

Community Profile Ripon (population: 7,484, ten mile radius population: 20,721) is located 18 miles west of Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Ripon, a small college town with a revitalized central business district, has become an appealing place for local residents to live, work and play, as well as a popular tourist destination. In addition to its distinctive architecture, downtown Ripon features a wide array of retail and service businesses that meet the needs of local and regional residents. Ripon””s diverse business base is anchored by traditional retailers selling apparel, jewelry, home furnishings and unique gifts. The district also has a drug store, a variety of restaurants, a movie theatre, and is the home of the Birthplace of the Republican Party museum.

Products Sold & Niche Developed

The store features Tracy”s eclectic product mix including furniture, lighting, fashion, jewelry, and distinctive home accessories. Their apparel boutique offers unique transitional items that can be mixed and matched with almost any wardrobe. Add a little bit of bohemian fashion flair with a new belt or shoes, or a vibrantly stylish new shirt. In addition, Tracy”s home decor collections are inspiring and timeless.

Market Segments Served

The Tracy Porter Retail Store serves customers from surrounding communities and the Fox Valley area, but their website and catalog have attracted customers from throughout the United States.

Contributions to the Business Community

In 2006, John and Tracy Porter purchased and restored the Kingsbury Building located in downtown Ripon. The building had stood vacant for over 12 years and was in desperate need of attention. The three-story building was restored to support the operations of the home furnishings designer. The 7,200 square foot interior of the building was converted into offices, a conference room, dining and meeting areas, creative and storage spaces, shipping and receiving areas, and project spaces. Without disrupting the historical nature of the building, the structure was also accented with modern touches to support the business environment of the 21st century. A new paint scheme, business signage and landscaping were the finishing touches of the project.