Clothing store City Closet opens, owner hopes to cater to students
Sherry Ruckman decided to combine her love of clothes with her love of family by opening and running a secondhand clothing store.
City Closet opened two weeks ago at 888 S. Mission St.
The new store sells new and gently used clothing from brand names like Hollister, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, Pink and Lucky.
"It’s definitely more of a variety than what we’re used to,” said Hastings senior Stephanie Lukas. “The clothes are cheap and in great quality. Plus, I’m always up for some new stores coming into Mount Pleasant. It gives us more options and places to shop.”
Houghton Lake resident and owner Ruckman runs the store alongside her sister, Gloria Winowiecki and mother, Carrie Goedecke. Ruckman said she decided to open the store with her family because of their mutual love for clothes and to be closer to one another.
Even though it is family-owned and Ruckman is her own boss, she said it’s still hard work, especially the hour drive to and from work.
The family decided to open the business in Mount Pleasant because of their love for the community, but they did not make the decision before visiting nearby cities.
“We visited Big Rapids, Houghton Lake and Clare before we picked here," Ruckman said. "We fell in love with Mount Pleasant. It’s such a nice town; the store idea just seemed to fit."
Both men's and women's clothes can be found throughout the store, as well as accessories, scarves, shoes and hats.
“I haven’t been in there yet, but I think it’s a great idea,” said Saginaw junior Matt Weigl. “Most of us college students are on a budget. It will be nice to find good clothes at a reasonable price for both men and women.”
Students will also have the chance to make money by selling their gently used clothes they no longer wear. Ruckman said she and her co-owners are hoping to work with the community to make the business a success and a team effort by buying and selling from one another.
“I haven’t sold here yet, but I’ve sold my clothes to Plato’s Closet numerous times, and I loved it,” said Livonia junior Elizabeth Murphy. "All you have to do is walk in with the clothes you no longer wear and walk out with a wallet full of cash. Plus, if you go in often enough, you get to see exactly what new items have been brought in.”
After two weeks, Ruckman said she already feels the store has been a rewarding experience for her. She said she loves the feeling of helping people get the best value and price possible.
“It’s so much fun," Ruckman said. "Just the other day, some young women left the store excited that they no longer had to go downstate to shop. I love hearing that"
