Traverse City’s retail scene is as busy as ever heading into the holiday season, with numerous local openings, closings and moves. The Ticker reports on the latest developments.

SunFrog Expanding to TC
Gaylord-based SunFrog Shirts – which in just two years has become one of the world’s largest t-shirt sales websites and manufacturers, employing 350 staff – is expanding to Traverse City. Kent Properties, a division of SunFrog, has purchased the 4,600 square-foot building at 127 South Union Street now home to Union Tap & Grill.

Founder and CEO Josh Kent tells The Ticker SunFrog will move into the upstairs level January 1, with the restaurant remaining open below. “The purpose of the acquisition was to house programming and development talent out of the TC office,” says Kent. “Traverse City is a hotbed of talent. We’ll be looking to hire social media people, designers and programmers.”

Kent says the company will likely have 5-10 staff in the TC office “to start,” and is eyeing additional property purchases in the area. “Having this building stakes our company flag in Traverse City,” he says.

Venus Moving, Beauty Bar Open
After 16 years at 134 East Front Street, Venus TC is closing its doors at the end of this month, according to president Susan Ruoff. But fans of the beauty boutique needn’t worry – Ruoff is opening a new studio and “micro-boutique” called Venus Beauty Lounge in January at 901 West Front Street Suite B.

Rouff will “continue to offer brow and makeup services” as well as new airbrush makeup services at the studio. She’ll also sell popular customer product lines including Bare Minerals and Philosophy. 

On the other end of Front Street, Traverse Beauty Bar has opened at 101 North Park Street. A division of Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center, the location offers brow shaping, facials, skin care and luxury cosmetic products and waxing services.

Big Changes on East Front Street
Several East Front Street locations are changing hands. At 445 East Front, Simply Cupcakes closed its doors last weekend. Owner Len Mayhew has decided to “pursue some other personal and family interests at this time,” he wrote to customers. Opening this month in its place is Sweet Tartlette, which will offer cupcakes as well as artisanal chocolates and pastries from owner Sarah Steele.

One block over, Higher Self Bookstore has moved across the street from 328 East Front to new digs facing the Boardman River at 313 East Front. Jeff and Jo Currier – who own Ways to Wellness in Midland – are taking over the reins from Ricki Blanchard, who’s run the store for 15 years. The shop will continue to focus on “personal growth, healing (and) enlightenment." Higher Self is open now, but also planning a Grand Reopening celebration December 12 from 10am-7pm.

Also on East Front: Georgina’s owner Anthony Craig is “pushing for the end of this month” to open new breakfast/lunch café Elsie’s in the original Georgina's location, while vintage and artisan accessory store Skull & Tendah Vintage is targeting a December 12 grand opening at 502 East Front (formerly Lifer Skate Shop). Across the street, The Little Fleet owners Gary and Allison Jonas – in partnership with Brandon Seng, director of Goodwill Northern Michigan’s food programs – have launched The Shrub Soda Company, producing and distributing bottled shrub sodas online and at area stores.

Gypsy Rose Studios
Just outside JC Penney at Grand Traverse Mall, Gypsy Rose Studios has opened in time for holiday shoppers. The “handcrafted store” focuses on products with natural elements, including organic jewelry crafted from flowers and plants and cedar mirrors set with Petoskey stones, agate and favosite.

Rove Estate
Owners Creighton and McKenzie Gallagher have broken ground on a 2,000 square-foot tasting room called Rove Estate on M-72 in Leelanau County. Targeting a spring 2016 opening, the couple will partner with Brys Estate for production of a wide number of varietals grown on-site (Rove will eventually host its own winemaking facility). Taking advantage of its elevation – the highest of any Leelanau winery – McKenzie says the property will feature an outdoor wraparound deck and will host weddings and special events.

Big Cat Brewing
Cedar Rustic Inn owners Aaron and Nikki Ackley are transitioning their Cedar restaurant into a brewpub. The newly named Big Cat Brewing Company will remain a full-service eatery – retaining many of the same menu items, with a few changes – but will now carry six house-brewed beers on tap. Up to 10 taps are planned for the future.

Cherry Blossom 14
Traverse City’s first IMAX screen is set to open this month. The new Cherry Blossom 14 multiplex – featuring 14 theaters ranging in size from 144 seats up to IMAX’s 484 seats – will officially open December 17 with the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” But the community can get a sneak peek the night before, when the multiplex hosts screenings of recent releases including “Jurassic World,” “Trainwreck” and “Minions” for just $2, with popcorn and soda also $2. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan (ticket sale information to be announced).

Closings
The Mayfield Country Store at 4044 Garfield Road has closed its doors. Owner Annette Emery announced in a post on the company’s Facebook page November 18 that her efforts to buy out partner Dan DeVries were unsuccessful, and that she had “no choice but to close it down and sell.”

Customers of Big Papa’s Pub & Eatery on US-31, meanwhile, have found the restaurant shuttered – with coverings over its windows and doors – since Thanksgiving Day. Owners Mark and Marty Hisem did not return requests for comment.