Pictured left to right: Chamber Ambassador Diane Peters, Housley Peters Law Office; Chamber Ambassador Dora Presecan, Spartan Podiatry; Trailblazers and Pawfitters Owner Mike Lounds; Patty Williams, Choose Marshall; Chamber Ambassador Jenna Hurd-Begg, Vantage Pointe Financial Group; Kierith Kurth, Choose Marshall.
The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA)/Choose Marshall held a Ribbon Cutting to welcome Trailblazers and Pawfitters to their new location in downtown Marshall.
The family owned and operated stores recently moved into one combined location. The move made good sense for store and building owners, Mike and Jess Lounds, and has been planned for over a year, but quickly came together in less than four weeks. After owning two separate store fronts, it became clear to the couple that their stores had similar audiences, and they could benefit by being under one roof. Mike stated, “The store looks like two stores from the street, but it is one BIG experience inside.” He added, “Covid taught us that simplicity works!”
Both stores still carry the same merchandise that customers have grown to expect and love. Trailblazers specializes in high quality apparel, shoes, bags, yoga gear, and sunglasses for men and women. As a premier outfitter, they offer high-quality brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Kuhl, Prana, Lole, Smartwool, Birkenstock, Keen and Chaco. “Our merchandise brands are designed to perform for an adventure in the great outdoors and still be fashionable for a night on the town,” commented Mike. He added, “The merchandise we offer provides the perfect combination of advanced design and extreme comfort. They perform and last. There is great value to that.”
Pawfitters continues to carry food and accessories for dogs and cats including collars, leashes, beds, and toys. It focuses more on dogs than cats, but does offer a small section of feline food, treats and toys. Customers will find only highly digestible foods, treats and chews. “We offer happiness and healthiness,” stated Mike. “We carry several different flavors of Fromm dog food that prides itself on limited and healthy ingredients. Customers will also find the same type of more natural treats at our bulk biscuit bar.”
Trailblazers and Pawfitters are located at 151 W. Michigan Ave and are open Monday through Saturday 11am-4pm. Contact them at 269-248-6600 or on Facebook www.facebook.com/Trailblazers or www.facebook.com/statestreetpawfitters.
For more information about Choose Marshall Chamber services, call 269-781-5163 or visit choosemarshall.com.