Local Ann Arbor clothing retail shops to support during the pandemic and beyond
—By Jonathan Kaner, Jonah Mendelson, and Drew Tallquist
It’s a new year, which means it’s time for new clothes! Ann Arbor is home to hundreds of clothing stores, like American Eagle, Aeropostale, and H&M. However, you don’t need to base your style on a trip to Briarwood Mall – there are many locally-owned shops around the University of Michigan campus that have the shirts, pants, coats, and accessories you need! So put on your boots and take a look at these five clothing stores around Ann Arbor to support (and look good doing it).
Grab Vintage Michigan Apparel and Exclusive Streetwear at Motivation
1203 S. University Ave. | (734) 769-2260 | Website
Motivation was founded in 2007 by Mike Moeller, the current owner of the shop. Located in the heart of campus on South University Avenue, Motivation offers a large array of vintage clothing, and limited edition streetwear. The shop prides itself on being one of the top boutique stores in the state with their quality and selection. Motivation is the only store on campus to carry the likes of Billionaire Boys Club, Chinatown Market, Stussy, and many more sought after brands, giving them a competitive edge.
Students love going to Motivation specifically for their vintage Michigan clothing. Ranging from 1990’s Rose Bowl sweatshirts to old baseball and basketball jerseys, Motivation’s variety of Michigan logowear is unmatched by any store in Ann Arbor.
Motivation also carries their own label of clothing in addition to the top brands displayed in their storefront. Specifically, they write on their website that it “focuses on high quality apparel and headwear with classic collegiate styling.” Released seasonally in limited quantities, the line consists of tees, hoodies, hats, and much more. Students looking for quality loungewear from top brands, or vintage Michigan apparel, should go straight to Motivation, or their e-commerce website, mtvtn.com.
Gear Up with Outdoor Necessities and More at Bivouac
336 S. State St. | (734) 761-6207 | Website
Bivouac is located on the busy South State Street in Ann Arbor, and gets lots of foot traffic daily by students and residents. Known for carrying big name outdoor brands such as Patagonia, Arcteryx, and The North Face, the store has catered to Ann Arbor shoppers since 1971.
Bivouac was founded in 1970 by Ed Davidson in Iowa before he moved to Ann Arbor in 1971 to open the brick and mortar store. Originally, Bivouac specialized in army surplus goods before it eventually evolved to sell a mix of men’s and women’s clothing and gear. Bivouac has a large staff who specialize in various departments to deliver an exceptional customer experience in the store. In addition to offering clothing and accessories, Bivouac offers rentals and repairs to products.
Recently, Bivouac began carrying brands to cater more towards Michigan students, such as Aviator Nation and Canada Goose. Additionally, the store carries accessories such as watches, sunglasses, and leather products. Students who are in the market for high quality clothing, specifically outerwear or athletic apparel, should check out Bivouac for their massive collection and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Stay Up to Date on the Latest Fashion Trends at Verbena
309 S. State St. | (734) 368-9233 | Website
Verbena sits less than a block away from Bivouac on South State St, right at the crossroads between town and campus. While you might go to Bivouac in search of outerwear and winter apparel, Verbena is the place to shop if you’re looking for the latest trends in boutique women’s clothing. Every part of the store, from the casual Instagram-ready catalog (cropped quarter-zips, pastel and tie-dye joggers, etc.) to the clean, sans-serif vibrancy of the interior places an emphasis on modernity.
Verbena sells more than just clothes—in line with their concept of remaining on the cutting edge of student demand, Verbena began selling chic face masks in May. Additionally, they carry a formidable selection of jewelry, in addition to a wide array of accessories and trinkets.
Verbena is the store for those who love nice candles, hanging plants and self-care, a lush fusion of what might be considered standard modern tastes (a la Urban Outfitters) with emerging Gen Z aesthetic sensibilities like bike shorts and bodysuits, and anyone looking for trend-forward women’s clothing in the Ann Arbor area should consider paying them a visit.
Find Your Inner Hypebeast at Today Clothing
215 S. 4th Ave. | (734) 548-8301 | Website
Today Clothing, established in 2013 and conveniently located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, has no sign above its door or in its window. Much like the clothes they sell, their storefront is creative and precise. When you walk in you are greeted by both a friendly associate and an immediate sense of tasteful restraint. A few plain tables hold an eclectic selection of accessory items like Carhartt socks, gold necklaces and knit beanies. The floor is hardwood, the off-white walls bare. In one corner of the store there is a single couch. Empty space is not a dirty word here, every item sold in the store is treated as worthy of room. Quality takes precedence over volume.
This focus on methodical refinement is reflected not just in the physical layout of the store, but in the specific clothes that compose their retail catalog. Today Clothing carries crisp, urban brands on the forefront of modern style such as A.P.C. and Kapital; timeless, simple pieces by Jackman and Arpenteur; and an excellent and colorful footwear selection by brands like Karhu, Asics and New Balance that retains the store’s insistence on creativity and quality while providing reasonably accessible and affordable options.
Today Clothing manages to offer a great deal of stylistic variety within its limited confines, and their well-curated selection, along with a helpful and amiable staff, ensures that students looking for youthful high-end fashion (and who are willing to pay the corresponding price) can find what they need.
Transport Back to the 80’s at The Get Up Vintage
215 S. State St. | (734) 327-4300 | Website
If you’re looking for something a little more dated, then head to Get Up Vintage! Established in 2003, this shop on S. State St. buys, sells, and even trades vintage clothing made between the 1950’s and 1990’s.
Here, you can find an assortment of items, ranging from suede skirts to denim jeans to wool sweaters to classic jerseys (and some University apparel as well!). You can also find some groovy accessories, such as scarves, earrings, sunglasses, handbags and purses, footwear, and more! The prices may be considered high for the average college student—a men’s graphic tee costs at least $16—but the cost reflects the quality and care given to these items.
The shopping experience with The Getup Vintage is truly unique. The store lines its walls with bright color and various paintings and artefacts from the mid-to-late twentieth century for patrons to view. Shopping is made easy, as every clothing rack, display, and even tag is labeled with the item’s respective decades. If you want to try on your selections in-store, the 1970’s-inspired booths can help you see your new look! The Getup offers open-walk-ins, but if you are not comfortable with this – we are still in a pandemic after all – you can also make a scheduled appointment online through their website, or even buy their clothes through their Etsy shop.
Featured Image: Motivation’s Storefront on South University Avenue in Ann Arbor (Photo Credit: Jonathan Kaner).
