This spring, SHIFT will complete a much-anticipated move and relocate their business to Downtown Fenton. My City asked the co-owners about the inspiration for the move and what shoppers can expect at the new retail space.
MC: What inspired this move?
As we SHIFT into our next chapter, we’re really trying to not just stay alive but also thrive. We’ve always focused on community and tried to support and lift up other small businesses. Our model has always been to collaborate through “shopportunities” that teach, inspire and provide at least a trifecta of “wins” every time we host or participate in an event: for community, for us and for our neighboring small businesses.
Our demographic survey determined that over 68% of sales came from south Genesee County, especially the Fenton-Linden area. While it was incredibly bittersweet for us to leave Downtown Flint after six years, we feel the Downtown Fenton foot traffic makes it a better fit for SHIFT. Our new location will give customers an opportunity to park, walk, explore and experience the many local restaurants and retailers.
MC: What new things will SHIFT customers enjoy?
In the renovated space, we’ve kept the existing 1800s brick walls, but are updating our method of displaying merchandise. A “snack counter” will offer endless refreshments to enhance the shopping experience and a new, taller and more open storefront will allow great, natural daylight to highlight all SHIFT has to offer – which will include new product lines.
We also hope to create more “shopportunities” for our customers to gather, exchange ideas, create custom projects and have fun! We want to collaborate on activities with neighboring small businesses by driving foot traffic in Downtown Fenton. Parking is available behind the store in a community lot shared with Fenton House, as well as on-street FREE parking in Downtown Fenton. Of course, we will continue to offer our same great customer service and personalized shopping experience!
MC: What excites you most about this new chapter for SHIFT?
We look forward to the opportunity to bring SHIFT to our walkable, family-friendly “home community” and to get to know our new neighbors and customers. We hope our long-time patrons who don’t live in Fenton will find us when they come to enjoy the many great restaurants and annual events Downtown and at the Community & Cultural Center. In Fenton, there’s literally something for everyone and we can’t wait to SHIFT right in and contribute to all the fun!
