In a new Ann Arbor shopping center there's a new store, but it's actually been around town for more than a decade, selling crafts that carry on cultural traditions from much, much longer before.
Real Irish got its start in a small kiosk downtown about 15 years ago. After taking its handmade, authentic Irish goods business online 10 years ago, owner Stuart Marley has now opened a new storefront in Arbor Hills Crossing.
"I've thought I about doing retail again in Ann Arbor for some time," he says. "I appreciate Ann Arbor a lot, and I've lived here since 1993. But I've been reluctant to try it because of the overhead costs."
The 800-square foot store was just the right opportunity for Real Irish to branch out into a physical location, not to mention being close to Marley's Ann Arbor home. The new store opened last week with offerings perfect for the holiday season.
"Throughout the winter we'll be focusing a lot on woolens and woolen clothing," Marley says. "At the end of January we'll decide what items to bring over after the wool season. I'm thinking pottery and home gifts and more Irish gifts as well."
Marley currently operates Real Irish with the help of family members, but plans to hire about two employees soon to help manage his new operations. He says the foot traffic in Arbor Hills Crossing has already brought in a good number of customers and he's looking forward to being a part of the community of businesses there.
Source: Stuart Marley, Real Irish
Writer: Natalie Burg
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