TECUMSEH — If you’re looking for a local shop that celebrates all things from the great state of Michigan, downtown Tecumseh might be a good place to start.
The Cottage Door Tecumseh opened Sept. 20 to coincide with the “Besties on the Boulevard” event that was held in downtown Tecumseh that day. Owner Laura Hosler operates the store along with her husband, Jim.
The Tecumseh location is Hosler’s second store. The first location is in Richland, north of Kalamazoo. The decision to open a second store is a homecoming for Hosler, who grew up locally. The Tecumseh store will be operated by the couple, as well as by family and friends who live locally.
“I grew up in Tecumseh,” Hosler said. “My parents and my in-laws both live here, and it just seemed like a good opportunity to invest in my hometown.”
The Cottage Door Tecumseh offers seasonal clothing items for men, women and children that feature themes reflecting the Great Lakes state. In addition to clothing items, The Cottage Door Tecumseh carries jewelry, home décor and gift items. And, going along with the Michigan theme, Hosler carries items that have roots in the state as well.
“If they’re not made in Michigan then they’re coming from a Michigan vendor,” she said. Items in the store are priced so there is “something available for every budget.”
“If you’re looking for a gift, you can stop in here and grab a gift, and then you might also stop in here and buy something for yourself to wear on the weekends or wear to work,” she continued. “We’re going to have a little bit of something for everyone.”
Hosler herself has a background in retail. She got interested in opening the store after attending Western Michigan University, where her studies were focused on fashion merchandising.
“I’ve always been in the retail industry,” Hosler said. “Our first store has done really well, so we are duplicating that model here.”
Owning her own business comes naturally to Hosler. She also owns an advertising agency in Kalamazoo.
“We’re entrepreneurs by heart, yes,” she said.
The Cottage Door Tecumseh is in the Bidwell Exchange Building at 102 W. Chicago Blvd, Suite 102. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is at facebook.com/TheCottageDoorTecumseh.
