Sawmill Creek Shops reopens later this month

HURON TWP. — During the past year, with a pandemic in play complicating matters, retail shops worldwide faced some serious hardships. And then there's Sawmill Creek Shops, which experienced a "double whammy," according to Dixie Vermeeren, its general merchandise manager. "Not only did we have trouble with COVID-19 shutting us down, but then Cedar Fair bought the property, and they didn't open the hotel," said Vermeeren, referencing Sawmill Creek Resort's sale in 2019. Sawmill Creek Shops, across two separate closures, shut down for roughly five of the past 12 months. "A lot of our business came from guests staying at the hotel and from people visiting or staying for conventions," said Vermeeren, noting her store leases space now from Cedar Fair and operates as its own business, located beside the resort, which remains closed amid ongoing renovations. "Without all of that, it made no sense to stay open." Though Vermeeren and the leadership team — consisting of Holly McGory, the shop's other general merchandising manager; associate Portia Thompson; manager Lisa Wood-Hill; and owner Greg Hill — are preparing for a comeback. Collectively, they've set April 16 as the reopening date. "That is when our traffic usually begins to increase," Vermeeren said. "Snowbirds will be returning, the golf course will be open, and the boaters will be coming back." First debuting in 1973, shoppers can expect similar products — such as gifts, apparel, jewelry, children's toys, gourmet foods and more — filling space within its 10,000-square-feet showroom. "We pride ourselves in having unique items that you don't just go anywhere to buy," McGory said. "Many things we carry you can't find online, and that's one of the reasons why people come here, for the experience." The entire sales team eagerly awaits their customers' long-awaited return. "We are really excited to see them," McGory said. "We offer that old-time customer service here, and that is what has really built this business up over the years."