×

Colburn Outfitters opens in downtown Alpena

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Hannah Burger, left, Sara Winter out some shirts on display while at work at Colburn Outfitters on Friday. The store recently opened in downtown Alpena and offers a wide variety of high end mens and womens clothing.

ALPENA — The closure of JC Penny at the Alpena Mall left a void in the retail sector and limited where people in Northeast Michigan — especially men — can shop for clothing.

A new store recently opened in downtown Alpena will help fill that void by offering high quality mens and womens apparel.

Colburn Outfitters owner Brian Winter said the store was located in the Alpena Mall under a different name, that featured only womens clothes. For several years, he considered moving the business downtown, and finally followed through with it. He said the name of the store was changed because of the addition of menswear.

The store is located at 114 W. Chisholm

Winter believes the clothing in stock will appeal to people, especially those who enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and leisure.

“I would describe it as for people who have an active lifestyle and who like to go out and do stuff,” Winter said. “I think this type of favor lends itself well to Northeast Michigan. They are quality, premium brands and will last.”

Since moving downtown, Winter said he has noticed an uptick in out-of-town visitors, which he said is important to the local economy.

Because the store has only been open for a few weeks, Winter said more items will be added soon, giving customers a bigger selection to choose from.

He said there is a limited amount of footwear, but added he has been in contact with footwear companies and plans to expand its line of shoes.

Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry said after several years of having few options for clothing downtown, things are improving. She said the addition of Colburn Outfitters, The Style Wherehouse, and Glik’s downtown add another layer of retail options for shoppers.

“I heard from a lot of people that we needed more clothing options downtown. Many people had to travel out of town to buy clothes, so to have several open in less than a year is a good start,” Gentry said.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today