The store’s new home at the Harborside Center-Shopping Mall is under renovation. While that is ongoing, the mall store will remain open until it is time for the transition to the new location.

Glik’s co-owner Jeff Glik said Thursday that the store’s time at the mall helped establish the brand in Alpena that his great-grandfather started in 1897.

Glik said his goal is to have the new store open in time for Memorial Day.

He said after a trip to Alpena, and a stay in a hotel downtown, he knew he wanted to move the store to the heart of what he described as a vibrant and growing area of the city.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The Harborside Center-Shopping Mall is pictured on Thursday. After more than two decades at the Alpena Mall, Glik's will move into Harborside later this year.

“This past January, I visited Alpena and fell even more in love with the town. The pride of the Alpena community is second to none. “Glik said. “I was so impressed with the downtown. It is like an entertainment district and it’s amazing when you see where it is now and what is yet to come.”

Glik praised Harborside Mall owner Jeff Konczak, who is conducting large downtown renovation projects on the State Theater, Royal Knight Theater, and the Vaughn.

“He has a great vision for this center and it includes Glik’s,” he said.

As impressed as he was with the city and downtown, Glik said people who live in the area are just as impressive.

He shared a pair of experiences that moved him during his visit, and hardened his stance that Glik’s needed to remain in Alpena long term.

“When I visited our store, all 11 associates came in to thank me for a positive and impactful experience,” he said. “Later, while picking up carryout dinner, two employees at the Red Brick Restaurant (Red Brick Tap and Barrel) learned that I worked at Glik’s and both thanked me for their first jobs. I honestly went back to my hotel room and had real tears along with an excellent dinner. We have deep roots in this great town and we will work tirelessly to offer service and fashion to the community.”

Having Glik’s committed to Alpena is welcome news, as the area has witnessed a rash of retail shops closing over the year. Alpena lost Peebles, JC Penney, and Neiman’s Family Market last year, and shopping–especially for clothing–was impacted greatly.

Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Mike Mahler, who is also the Alpena Downtown Development Authority President, said ensuring Glik’s remains in Alpena was important, and having it move downtown is an added bonus.

“Losing another retailer would have been bad for the people who live, work, and shop in Alpena,” Mahler said. “It is another great addition to our downtown, and I am excited about this on many fronts.”