Global brand supports local retail scene

Opening on the first day of ArtPrize in 2011, The Wolverine Company Store at MoDiv celebrated its six-month anniversary on March 21 with an official grand opening.

The shoe store, which employs one full-time and two part-time employees, is one the biggest names in the retail incubator and is part of a growing trend of urban retail recently profiled in Rapid Growth.

According to Brian Cousins, proprietor, the store’s function goes beyond just selling shoes. “It’s a great commitment by Wolverine Worldwide to Grand Rapids.  We want to help grow and inspire downtown shopping.”

Cousins feels the downtown store is a kindred spirit to long-time downtown retailer Gina’s Boutique and newcomer Central District Cyclery as they work together, with city officials and developers, to bring people downtown to shop.

He also adds that the store complements Wolverine Worldwide’s other downtown initiative, GRid70. “It is also a place where Wolverine Worldwide can showcase new products. Our designers can visit the store on a regular basis and interact with our customers to see what they like or don’t like, or even what they would like to see in the future.”

To learn more about the company store, you can visit their website here or Facebook page here.

Source: Brian Cousins, The Wolverine Company Store
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor