Well, it’s that time of the year. This week, we’ve hit our first deep freeze—that didn’t take too long, did it, 2015? I’m sure the dreaded term “polar vortex” will work its way back into our vocabulary in the near future.
Obviously, we live in a state with freezing cold winters, so it is a no-brainer to dress appropriately. We have adapted to the cold weather and icy conditions because, well, we really have no choice. Luckily, businesses have adapted to this climate as well, and there are many local clothing stores in the mitten that will keep you warm. Prepare to be enlightened on a few options for outdoor apparel and outdoor sportswear.
Nichols Ski and Snowboard offers both a Dearborn and Waterford location and originated more than 60 years ago. If you are a skier/snowboarder, then this is the perfect store for you. Even if you’re not, you can probably find something that fits your style and keeps you warm. From ski jackets to layers such as sweaters, fleeces and vests, Nichols has it all. Don’t forget about gloves and mittens and hats as well. The store is open seven days a week and is a true favorite in the metropolitan area. Don’t forget about accessories!
Sun & Snow has locations in both Plymouth and Ann Arbor and has been warming Metro Detroiters up since 1971. Much like Nichols, Sun & Snow has a lot to offer for skiers and snowboarders, but has some winter apparel for those of us who choose not to slide down an icy hill. Ski jackets, ski pants, hats, gloves, mittens and much more are at your disposal from this winter outfitter. “Bootfititng” is serious business at Sun & Snow and the technicians here will make sure you have perfectly shaped boots to fit your feet and keep you warm. According to the website, Sun & Snow is actually the only store in Michigan certified as “America’s Best Bootfitter.”
Outdoor Action Company, 2129 Orchard Lake Rd., Sylvan Lake, offers a ton of top-notch brand winter apparel options as well as all the snowboard and skiing equipment you could dream of. Jackets, sweaters, pants, insulators and more are all available. It is full of fashion for both those into extreme sports and those just looking to keep warm while still looking stylish in the bitter cold. OAC is also a good store to keep in mind during the warmer months, as it carries many bike and equestrian products.
Moosejaw has many stores sprinkled throughout Metro Detroit (including Detroit, Ann Arbor and more), as well as its headquarters in Madison Heights. This store has just about any brand you could possibly want, and offers jackets, clothing, footwear and more. Moosejaw also has a price match policy that keeps its prices as low as possible. There are great deals constantly going on here as well. If you need winter gear, this store is the place to go.
As an honorable mention, The Empowerment Plan is more of a “do-gooder” than a retail store, but the nonprofit organization has a great premise. The Empowerment Plan gives the homeless people in Detroit a second chance by employing them. The mission centers around the construction of a coat—where homeless people are hired to construct the coats that double as sleeping bags. These coats are then given to other homeless people on the street in an effort to keep those without shelter warm. The program pays the homeless helpers, while also teaching them skills they can hone and use to seek future employment elsewhere. It helps gives those living on the street their independence and dignity back. Truly, The Empowerment Plan is a wonderful program.
You have many options around you to keep yourself warm this winter, so maybe try one of the aforementioned stores or your local independent clothing store and help bolster up the old Michigan economy. Stay warm, my friends!