Changes coming to Clearview in “downtown Lutsen”

Changes are coming to the “Clearview Mall,” home to the Lutsen Post Office, Clearview General Store, Fika Coffee, and the quilt shop 47 Degrees. The Clearview building will no longer be home to longtime tenant Great Gifts. The gift shop is moving out and the general store is expanding.

WTIP reached out to Emily Cihlar, whose family has operated Great Gifts for more than 30 years. She said the decision has been made to move to another location in Grand Marais. However, Emily declined an interview at this time. She said when all the details of the move have been arranged, Great Gifts will share that news.

Chris Homyak, co-owner of the Clearview complex confirmed that Great Gifts did not renew their lease. He said while he was sorry to see the iconic gift shop move, the general store is taking advantage of the opportunity to expand.

Homyak said demolition in the space formerly occupied by Great Gifts has just begun. Clearview General Store customers won’t see any demolition or construction on the grocery store side until sometime in March.

Homyak said the goal is to be fully operational by mid-May, with double the grocery items, as well as pet supplies, and gifts.

Stay tuned, WTIP Community Radio will provide updates on both of these businesses as they become available.

Rhonda Silence January 20, 2021