Crystal River Outfitters announces new M-22 location
Glen Arbor’s original outfitter opens complete M-22 store
From staff reports
With a storefront right on M-22 in downtown Glen Arbor, owners of Crystal River Outfitters, Matt & Katy Wiesen are opening “M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters”. This store will feature the full line of M-22 apparel and accessories, plus a wine-tasting bar.
Crystal River Outfitters, a kayak, canoe and bike rental company in Glen Arbor has been in operation since 1994. The Wiesens purchased this business in 2004 upon graduating from college and have since expanded to include stand-up paddleboard rentals, outdoor clothing, bike repairs, beach goods and much more.
“Our business is based around outdoor recreation, the Northern Michigan lifestyle and the true beauty of the area that we get to welcome visitors to. Because of the similarities between the mission of M-22 and CRO, opening M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters was a perfect fit,” says Matt Wiesen.
Owners of the M-22 brand, Keegan & Matt Myers started their company when they produced shirts featuring the image of the M-22 road sign. This shirt was originally intended for local kiteboarders and surfers to wear, as beaches along M-22 are the best in the area for these sports. After Keegan wore the shirt on the cover of Traverse Magazine for an article about kiteboarding, sales took off. People couldn’t wait to get their hands on the iconic shirt. The brand has now expanded to include stickers, hoodies, hats, coffee, wine and much more.
According to the M-22 website, “M-22 is not just a road; it is a way of life.” Crystal River Outfitters lies right on M-22 and has the opportunity to showcase the area’s natural beauty and way of life to thousands of visitors every year.
“This store will illustrate so much of what Northern Michigan is all about. We are excited to offer the full M-22 line and newly released “Love Michigan” brand. Our goal is to make this not just a store, but a great showcase of the Northern Michigan lifestyle,” states Wiesen.
In addition to clothing, M-22 offers five custom blended wines produced by renowned winemaker Lee Lutes of Black Star Farms. Both sampling and bottle purchasing will be offered.
M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters will also be home to the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce where visitors to the area can stop to pick up area brochures and information.
M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters will open on May 6.
About Crystal River Outfitters
Since 1994, Crystal River Outfitters has been Glen Arbor’s priginal outfitter for kayak, canoe & bike rentals. Owners, Matt & Katy Wiesen purchased the business in 2004 upon college graduation (Matt started working at CRO when he was just 15) and have since expanded to include stand-up paddleboard rentals, outdoor clothing, bike repairs, beach goods and much more. In 2011, Matt and Katy opened “M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters” featuring the full-line of M-22 lifestyle apparel and wine.
Both businesses are located in downtown Glen Arbor, near the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
At the peak of the season, Crystal River Outfitters employs 19 individuals and M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters employs four individuals.
Crystal River Outfitters and M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters are proud supporters of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Glen Lake Association, the Leelanau Conservancy and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
While kayaking and canoeing remain at the core of Crystal River Outfitters operations, Matt & Katy continue to showcase the great lifestyle opportunities of Northern Michigan with their other endeavors.
If you would like more information about Crystal River Outfitters or M-22 at Crystal River Outfitters, please contact Katy Wiesen 231.334.4420 or katy (AT) crystalriveroutfitters.com
