Burlap at the Lakes to Give Vintage Items a New Life

New Ottertail store to hold grand opening on April 18

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A soft, hazy photograph depicting an intimate interior scene with vintage furniture, decor, and lifestyle objects in warm, nostalgic tones, conceptually representing the cozy, dreamlike atmosphere of the Burlap at the Lakes store.The inviting, vintage-inspired atmosphere of Burlap at the Lakes aims to transport shoppers to a bygone era while offering a personalized, community-focused retail experience.Fargo Today

After 40 years working for the Department of Agriculture, Mary Sue Ohlhauser decided to expand her Fargo-based Burlap Boutique by opening a new location called Burlap at the Lakes in Ottertail, Minnesota. The new 2,500-square-foot store will feature vintage furniture and home decor items that have been repurposed and reimagined, as well as a corner dedicated to Ohlhauser's former business partner Paula Otto. The grand opening is scheduled for April 18.

Why it matters

The expansion of Burlap Boutique into the Ottertail lakes region highlights the growing demand for unique, one-of-a-kind vintage and repurposed home goods, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Burlap's focus on creating a fun, community-driven shopping experience also aligns with the local ethos of the Ottertail area.

The details

The new Burlap at the Lakes store will be located in a 2,500-square-foot space in the Ottertail mall that was previously occupied by The Grain Bin. In addition to vintage furniture and home decor, the store will feature a coffee bar, hand-crafted jewelry, and Fusion mineral paint. There will also be a corner dedicated to Ohlhauser's former business partner Paula Otto, showcasing memorabilia and favorite pieces from their 10 years in business together. Ohlhauser's daughter Kennedy Jo will also have a section called JoJo's Corner featuring her collection of collegiate vintage athletic wear.

  • Burlap Boutique was founded approximately 11 years ago in Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Ohlhauser's business partner Paula Otto left the business about 4 years after it started.
  • The new Burlap at the Lakes store in Ottertail will have its grand opening on April 18, 2026.

The players

Mary Sue Ohlhauser

The owner of Burlap Boutique in Fargo, North Dakota, who is expanding the business by opening a new Burlap at the Lakes store in Ottertail, Minnesota.

Paula Otto

Ohlhauser's former business partner who co-founded Burlap Boutique with her approximately 11 years ago, but left the business about 4 years later.

Kennedy Jo

Ohlhauser's daughter who has created a collection of collegiate vintage athletic wear called JoJo's Corner that will be featured in the new Ottertail store.

Linda Hilbrand

A painter who creates folk-art paintings exclusively for Burlap Boutique under the label Heavenly Chic Designs, and whose work will also be featured in the new Ottertail store.

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What they’re saying

“I worked for the Department of Ag for almost 40 years and I retired last year. I thought about gliding into retirement, but why?”

— Mary Sue Ohlhauser, Owner, Burlap Boutique

“It was supposed to be very small and actually it got so big she got out of Burlap about four years in.”

— Mary Sue Ohlhauser, Owner, Burlap Boutique

“She asked me, 'are you asking for my blessings to open at the lakes,' and I told her yes, I am asking for your blessing.”

— Mary Sue Ohlhauser, Owner, Burlap Boutique

What’s next

The new Burlap at the Lakes store in Ottertail will hold its grand opening on Saturday, April 18, 2026, where there will be door prizes and special gifts given away to the first 25 customers.

The takeaway

Burlap Boutique's expansion into the Ottertail lakes region demonstrates the growing consumer demand for unique, repurposed vintage home goods, especially in tourist-heavy areas. By creating a fun, community-driven shopping experience, Burlap is able to thrive in a retail landscape dominated by big-box chains.