A fourth-generation, family-owned retailer with more than 65 stores across 10 states will open its newest location in the central business district of downtown St. Joseph this fall, its 20th shop in Michigan. Glik’s is headed to newly remodeled retail space at 414 State Street in St. Joseph, the former long time home of the John Devries Insurance Agency and before that the site of the WSJM Radio studios for a number of years. It also briefly housed Re-Imagine until they relocated to the space next door.
The Glik family has been operating Midwest clothing stores dating all the way back to 1897 when they were founded by the family patriarch Joe Glik…and the Glik brand currently ranks as the 14th oldest retailer in the United States.
South Haven area visitors and shoppers know the name, from the store’s home there at 420 Phoenix Street in the community. There are also Glik’s stores in Sturgis, Saugatuck, and Holland in Michigan’s Great Southwest as well as stores ranging all the way north to Iron Mountain. Other Lake Michigan communities with Glik’s operations include Traverse City, Petoskey, Manistee, Ludington, Grand Haven, Frankfort, and Charlevoix.
Realtor and Developer Dayna Black-Kozminski from Coldwell Banker Advantage Real Estate and Alpha Doe Investments owns the building and has signed a lease with Glik’s CEO Jeff Glik. She says that the renovations of the building are complete and Glik’s operators are beginning the load-in process. There was no immediate indication as to when the store will open.
Glik’s shops are known for brands and styles specifically chosen for each individual community, and no two Glik’s store are exactly the same. The company’s stated policy is to follow the latest fashion trends and fill their stores with new fashion arrivals “almost daily.” They tout products lines, “from flattering denim styles, on-trend tops, to the latest shoes and charming accessories,” exuding confidence that “you’ll find something special and unique to add to your wardrobe on every visit.”
Glik family members are involved in every facet of the business, and even the patriarch, Joe Glik, who died earlier this year, interacted daily with associates. He was in his early 90s and still traveled to stores to continually ask associates, “How can we do better?” Joe’s sons Jeff and Jim carry on his legacy of “community, generosity, and passion for retail.”
The company employs more than 500 people across the Midwest and a placard in the front window at 414 State Street in downtown St. Joe continues to seek quality employees to work there.
The Glik family grew up talking about retail around the dinner table. After college, they worked for major retailers around the country in order to bring back that valuable experience to build the team and the portfolio of Glik’s shops.
They utilize a buying team to scout the best vendors from coast to coast. The company says, “Whether it’s Patagonia, Yeti, Simply Southern, KanCan Jeans or Alex & Ani, we make sure you get the latest looks as soon as they are available.” They add, “While we have grown into one of the nation’s largest privately-held stores, we have remained agile enough to turn on a dime to react to trends.”
Stay tuned for the impending arrival of Glik’s of St. Joseph, coming soon to the brick lined State Street venue across from The Olive Cart.
