Tropic Waters to relocate and expand pet center

TBL has learned that Tropic Waters Pet Center, 2513 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, has signed a lease agreement to move and expand its operations to the location previously occupied by Savers in the Indianhead Plaza at 3015 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire. Savers relocated to Southpoint Shopping Center last year.

"We're going to expand our grooming salon to allow for up to three groomers. We plan to enhance our dog and pet food lines and create a larger aquatic room," said Tropic Waters Pet Center Owner Jim Reiman, who has owned the business since 1997, but has managed the operation since 1977.

According to Reiman, the pet center's new 15,000-square-foot store will more than double the size of the existing location. He said he hopes the new facility will be open by early October.

"This will give us a chance to redefine our business and will allow us to grow. We don't expect to change much of our inventory, but we will have more space to work with," said Reiman, who added that his current staff of 11 employees will grow by about three to five new workers once the relocation is complete.

Tropic Waters Pet Center and Bark Avenue Grooming will be leasing space from TVI, a real estate division of Savers. TBL