By GARRETT SAGER
Hays Post
Since 1897, the Glik family has grown its family boutique business — and it has withstood the test of time to become the 14th oldest retail store in the United States.
“We believe small-town America is underserved in fashion for men and women. Our mission is to deliver big time fashion to small town America,” said Jeff Glik, President and CEO of Glik’s.
On Thursday morning, about 60 well-wishers came to Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, for Glik’s grand opening.
The Hays store is the company’s first foray into the state of Kansas..
“We are so excited to welcome Glik’s to the Hays community,” said Tammy Wellbrock, executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Glik’s found its first Kansas home in road-trip fashion.
Glik was driving his son to college in Denver when they made a brief stop in Hays. Shortly after, he told his board they had to get store in the town.
“Hays is a great community,” Glik said. “You’ve created this amazing town in the heartland of America, and we are happy to be a part of your town.”
Glik’s put its own spin on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In honor of its 119-year legacy, a ribbon was created with 119 $1 bills attached to it— one for each year operation.
The $119 will be donated to the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Glik’s offers many different types of fashion including their own clothing line, 1897, which was named after the year the company was established.
Some of the more well-known clothing lines carried by the chain include The North Face, Under Armour, Silver Jean Co., Patagonia, Sperry and Converse, Flying Monkey along with others.
Glik’s will be open standard mall hours.