GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Colorado-based outdoor equipment shop is set to open in Grand Rapids’ Heritage Hill District this week.
Michigan native Jimmy Funkhouser is moving back to the mitten to launch a new location of Feral at 1031 Wealthy St. SE this Saturday, May 11. Ss Cnc Cutting
It all started in 2016 when the small bungalow-turned-shop opened in Denver to welcome anyone looking for new and used outdoor essentials. Now, with his wife Rachel Cuccaro along for the ride and their dog Ace in tow, the adventure throughout West Michigan will officially begin.
“This is a copy of our original shop in Denver,” Funkhouser said. “It’s an homage to where we started, so it’s a new beginning for us in a new town and we wanted to take the same approach. Feral, etymologically, means to escape from domestication and become wild. And that’s what we’re all about; getting people outside.”
Since moving the main Colorado shop to a bigger, 5,000-square-foot facility in 2018, Feral has evolved into a retailer that offers various services including buying and selling used gear, rentals, repairs, and more.
Funkhouser said the launch in Grand Rapids fits their business model of improving outdoor access and empowering local communities to explore the wonders of nature without the significant barrier of high prices.
“We sell new stuff, but our focus is growing the used circular model,” he said. “Other big corporate retailers are trying to do that, but it’s difficult for them to on a scale we can because we’re small and focused on relationships and community. That’s what differentiates us but also we’re a neighborhood shop. You don’t have to drive to the burbs or sit in traffic to shop at Feral.”
The two-story shop, formerly a law firm on Wealthy Street, is full of popular outdoor brands to find new or used recreation gear like Patagonia and Prana, weather-resistant pants, rain jackets, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, and more.
“We try to keep it well priced, especially if you’re thinking about getting into camping or backpacking or something and you want to try it out without dropping $400 for all you need,” Cuccaro told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press.
Customers can anticipate selling their used recreational gear at Feral in the coming months, but, for now, there is plenty of inventory to choose from, whether it’s something new or used.
As for the grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, the local community can expect live music, the Boujee Bowls food truck and lively conversation.
Funkhouser touts that Feral focuses on being a simple place to sell and an affordable place to shop.
“Certain types of shops have an opportunity to inspire people to ‘Do the thing,’” he said. “Bookstores can inspire people to read more just by having bookstores. I truly think if every little local bookstore in Grand Rapids closed tomorrow, people would read less.
“And I believe outdoor stores are the same thing — we have by virtue people coming in, experiencing the shop and building relationships with us. The hope is that ultimately more people get outside. That’s the goal.”
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