German cuckoo clocks a specialty of new Holland retail and repair shop

Deborah Johnson Wood

Timeless design and craftsmanship have made Germany the top producer of mechanical clocks, says Dan Winebrenner, owner of the Holland Clock Co.

The new retail shop at 210 College Ave., Holland, will offer a selection of German-made cuckoo clocks, Dutch style clocks that originated in the Netherlands but are now made in Germany, and present a few shelf and mantle styles. Winebrenner's expertise in clock repair and service will be a unique offering of the shop.

Winebrenner's fascination with clocks began early in his life, pretty much when he first became aware of clocks and timekeeping. Five years ago, he learned how to repair them. Shortly after, he launched Winebrenner Clock Service in his Holland home.

"It's been a challenge, but I've seen some pretty encouraging growth in the last year," Winebrenner says. "I started the repair business without the retail because it wasn't as big a financial commitment as having a retail location and an investment in inventory. Now, I'm at the point where I'm ready to add them."

Winebrenner and his teenage children, Ben and Veronica, painted two walls of the small, narrow shop with murals depicting German landscapes and the Black Forest. Inside the front window is a hand-painted map of Germany and surrounding countries.

"Part of the reason I chose the location in downtown Holland is because of the reputation the downtown area has, not only in West Michigan but nationally as a destination for shopping," Winebrenner says. "I sense that it's a growing, busy area and that's where I want my shop to be, where people are going to find it. I think it also fits in well with the cultural identity of the area."
The shop will open March 1, with initial hours from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Source: Dan Winebrenner, Holland Clock Company; Mimi Fritz, Downtown Holland Principal Shopping District

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Have a development news tip for Rapid Growth? Contact us at [email protected].