RIVER FALLS – Fox Den Books in downtown River Falls is officially moving from its current building at 120 S. Main St. across the street to 117 S. Main St., the former home of Falls Family Eye Care.

The current location has been the home to Fox Den since 2012. Owners Heather and James Williams opened the store as a second location, having a store in St. Paul as well since 1995. They eventually closed the St. Paul location and continued the business exclusively in River Falls. After leasing the building for almost 10 years, the couple decided they wanted to own their own location. When the space right across the street went on the market, the Williamses jumped at the opportunity.

“Our lease was coming to an end, and then all of a sudden right across the street the building went on sale and we called and were over there the next day,” James Williams said.

Being a smaller, local business, the two really believe it’s important for them to own the actual building in which they operate.

“The most important factor for us was that we could own the space we were in; it is becoming more and more plausible for small independent businesses to own their space and it gives a secure feeling and then it just makes sense for the long-term process of having and owning a small local business,” said James Williams.

At the moment, they are in the remodeling and demolition stage of the process. There are many changes and renovations that James Williams wants to do before moving.

“We don't have an official date at this point because there is a lot of remodeling to do. There are some supply shortages so it has been an uphill climb. We’re thinking probably by the end of the year or around then for sure,” he said.

Heather Williams is centered around the design and decor aspect, which will be the next step once renovations are complete.

“There is a lot of potential for that space. Our goal is to make this a destination and to wow our customers and visitors. My wife is the most incredible buyer of products that we carry,” said James Williams.

There will be some changes to the new space, but the same products and events are expected to continue. The couple has some new surprises that they’d like to feature in the new location; however, these will have to wait to be revealed until their grand opening.

A lot of the furniture and fixtures in the store are handmade; all the bookshelves are custom made by James Williams at their home in River Falls. This allows for precise measurements to fit their wide array of book collections.

“I’ll be able to remake new shelves,” he said. “It’s really handy being able to make our own shelves, to make it especially for our store.”

The Williamses are looking forward to being in a new space, and say it’s inspiring them in new ways.

“You break the mold and then rebuild it and it gives you new ideas and inspirations and it makes you remember why you do what you’re doing,” James Williams said. “It is a rewarding labor of love.”

To learn more about Fox Den products and events, visit foxdenbooks.com

Photo by Melissa Thorud