New Store Katie B’s Fills Former Petite Feet

The Lake View children’s retailer Petite Feet may have closed just more than a month ago, but its replacement Katie B’s is already gearing up to fill the vacant storefront.

Owners said they planned to close the store at 3715 N. Southport Ave. in lieu of plans to move Michigan, but now the owner’s daughter says she’s planning a new venture.

“After a lot of discussion with my family, I have decided to open a store in Petite Feet’s spot,” she wrote on Facebook. “… Thank you to everyone for your support of Petite Feet over the last 9 years. It is bittersweet to close the store but I am excited to branch out on my own and start something new. So please stop in my new store over the summer and see what you think.”

Katie B’s was approved for a new business permit in late June, and as of June 28, the targeted date for a grand opening was July 20. Store decals went up in the windows late last month.

The new owner says she plans to have unique items for children, similar to Petite Feet, but without the shoe section. That’s combined with selling products from companies that won’t “oversaturate the market” by selling to nearby retailers. 

“It is going to be a store geared towards babies and toddlers,” she wrote on Facebook. “It will be very similar to Petite Feet, minus the shoes, so gifts, clothes, toys, etc. but I want to get products that are unique and not sold at other stores.”

A representative with Katie B’s was not immediately available to comment on the store. As of Wednesday afternoon, the front windows were still covered in paper to prepare to open.