Opening of first Kansas Glik’s planned Oct. 20
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
The name Glik’s may not be known to many in the area, but an expansion program into Kansas will bring the 14th oldest retailer in the nation to Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, later this year.
The location will be the first in Kansas.
“Hays is an amazing small town that we just felt that there was a tremendous need for us to be there,” said Jeff Glik, owner and CEO.
But the allure of Hays was not the only factor that brought the first Kansas store to Hays. Big Creek Crossing’s parent company – DP Management – was a draw for the location.
“We have an affiliation with the owner of the mall. We are in four of his other centers. He asked us to stop by, and he had the perfect space for us,” Glik said.
Management at the shopping center was happy to include the newest store to the center, first announced Monday.
“We’re very excited to have them here in Hays. We’re very excited that we were chosen, specifically Big Creek Crossing was chosen, as their first premier location in Kansas,” said James Younger, Big Creek Crossing marketing director. “We think it’s going to be a great fit for our community.”
The new location in the shopping center is only the first of several stores that are expected to move into Big Creek Crossing soon, and exterior facility upgrade plans are being finalized now.
“There are two to three others ones that are in the process of getting the leases signed,” said Josh Vickery, DP Management development investment specialist. “The lease agents are working hard on that.”
In May, Big Creek Crossing announced at least two new stores would be entering the shopping center, but the addition of Glik’s was not one of those expected at that time. Those announcements are expected soon.
But, in the meantime, Vickery is excited to add Glik’s to Big Creek Crossing.
“We’re happy to have them. I think they’re going to be a great addition to the mall. They’re a great store,” he said. “I think it will be great. They cater to the younger generation and, with the college, they will really like that.”
About Glik’s
Glik’s is a family-owned boutique that began in 1897 that selects offerings specific to each location, meaning no two stores are the same.
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, along with others.
“It will be similar to what we have, but once we open a store, we really tailor it to the community,” Glik said. “We will open with our best foot forward and fine-tune from there.”
And Big Creek Crossing said the store will fit perfectly with Hays shopping.
“Their clothing brands are a breath of fresh air, at a mid-range price point,” Younger said. “I think it will be a win-win.”
The Hays location will be the 65th in the chain – with plans to bring three more to Kansas within 18 months.
“We are looking at other sister stores throughout the state. One town that we are pretty excited about is eventually to move into Lawrence,” Glik said.
With the openings in Kansas, Glik’s will cover 10 states and has over 600 employees.
The store in Hays is expected to employee eight to 10 people, according to Glik, and will occupy the 4,000-square-foot location formerly occupied by Rue 21.
Al Ratkewicz, store design and construction manager with Glik’s, was at the site Tuesday.
“After Jeff has made a selection, I come out and do a survey and draw a design for the store,” he said. “Initially, we plan to stay very similar to this footprint that’s here now.”
Plans for the space include a rustic look, similar to other Glik locations, but tailored to the space in Big Creek Crossing.
An opening date is planned for Oct. 20, but shoppers can get a look at clothing and shoe lines offered by the chain by visiting their website or facebook.