Biz Buzz: Simple Elegance to close after seven months

Simple Elegance Bridal and Formal Wear is closing.

The bridal shop on Laurel Street, which opened May 1, is calling it quits after a short run. Owners Keri Larson and Shelly Trimble hoped to carve out a niche with affordable, frugal wedding alternatives. They offered a rental cake, new and used wedding dresses and wedding accessories.

Trimble said the decision to close the store wasn't based on the economy but was a partnership decision to dissolve the business.

"It's very disappointing," Trimble said. She noted it did take longer for the store to get up and going than they expected as area brides have the notion they need to go to St. Cloud or the Twin Cities.

"I would love more brides to consider local purchases," Trimble said. "All the same brands are available in Brainerd that they are shopping for in the Twin Cities."

Simple Elegance will be having a going out of business sale until Nov. 24.

"I don't feel bad about giving it a shot at least we tried," Trimble said.

The Mid-Town SuperAmerica, on Washington Street in Brainerd, is now open.

Remodeling work renovated the former Maggie's gas station and convenience store at the corner of Washington and North Fourth streets.

The former gas station closed Aug. 3. The Mid-Town SA opened in October.

Property owner Kelly Bevans, who owns an automotive service business on the site, formed a lease agreement with Baxter-based Triangle Oil owners. Craig, Brad and Todd Holland own and operate Triangle Oil.

Domino's Pizza, 107 N.E. Second St. in Little Falls, was remodeled and now offers oven-baked sandwiches, chocolate lava cakes and pasta. The business is owned by Shane and Debbie Cole, the Little Falls Chamber reported.

Bieganek Insurance moved to a larger site at 214 N.E. Second St. in Little Falls. Julie Zupko moved the agency. The company also has an office in Randall.

Wausau Paper recently reported third quarter financial results with adjusted quarterly earnings of $0.23 per share as the strongest level in 10 years.

The company reported the Printing and Writing and Specialty Products divisions had "significant year-over-year improvement with profits exceeding cost-of-capital return levels."

"Cost reduction and cash conservation measures drove a debt reduction of nearly $50 million, improving the company's debt-to-capital ration to 36 percent," Wausau stated.

Wausau reported $14.6 million in third quarter net earnings. A reduction in volume after Wausau closed facilities and continuing demand weakness in several markets were listed as reasons net sales decreased 12 percent to $273.4 million and shipments declined 6 percent to 185,000 tons.

In a written statement, Thomas J. Howatt, president and chief executive officer, pointed to the company's strategy to combine Specialty Products and Printing and Writing businesses into one segment and the growth of its other core business Towel and Tissue.

"We have achieved a dramatic improvement in our balance sheet and overall financial performance and are well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities when business conditions improve," Howatt stated.

Printing and Writing reported a third quarter operating profit of $3.8 million compared with an operating loss of $700,000 last year. Net sales declined 7 percent and shipments increased 2 percent, Wausau reported.

Beyond costs associated with facility closures and changes, Wausau reported Printing and Writing's profits of $4.4 million "were the strongest reported in nearly seven years."

"While the timing of a meaningful economic recovery remains uncertain at this time, we will continue our intense focus on executing the strategies that have delivered a substantial improvement in performance in 2009," Howatt stated.

RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.