Erie & Anchor weathers the storm

VERMILION — The pandemic seemingly set out to shipwreck Erie & Anchor. This time a year ago, in 2020, owner Micah Roberts fulfilled a lifelong dream of running a brick-and-mortar small business when she opened the Lake Erie-themed nautical gift and apparel shop on Liberty Avenue (U.S. 6) and Main Street in downtown Vermilion. For about three years beforehand, people familiarized themselves with her brand, both online and at area markets, where she sold products such as totes, tumblers and apparel, like sweatshirts. "We chose to open our first storefront in Vermilion because it is our hometown," said Roberts, referencing herself and her husband, Timothy. "We could not imagine our flagship store being anywhere else along the North Coast." Then the rockiest of business waters came ashore. "Clearly, we never imagined that we would be facing a national pandemic shortly thereafter," Roberts said. "We were disheartened to have to close our doors so shortly after we held our sneak peek at the Ice-A-Fair event in Vermilion on Feb. 1, 2020." Roberts canceled her store's grand opening, pivoting back to digital sales. But a few weeks later, when the store could reopen in April, Roberts experienced an unbelievable wave of support from locals and tourists. "We were fortunate to have an incredibly successful year despite the challenges from the coronavirus," Roberts said. "People realized the importance of supporting small businesses." Fortunate for her company's outcome, Roberts knew not every other local business would favor so well. "We knew that we were able to adapt, and we wanted to help others survive 2020 and the restrictions on their businesses," she said. "We came up with a Vermilion Strong mug campaign that raised money to give four downtown Vermilion businesses each a $500 grant." Roberts eagerly anticipates a better, and brighter, 2021 for her and neighboring shops but remains thankful for what these past 12 months have taught her. "It has been a year of ups and downs but that has made our brand even stronger." Erie & Anchor, 5499 Liberty Ave., opens at 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended hours on the weekends. It continues expanding current lines and launching new products weekly, with 5% of sales going to causes benefiting Lake Erie's health.