Calling all shoe lovers to Hillsdale’s newest store on Howell Street: Michigan Kiqs.
Brian Louwers and his wife, Karri, opened the Michigan Kiqs shoe store in May 2022. After Louwers’ resale of shoes on eBay expanded, he needed a larger space to handle inventory.
According to Louwers, curiosity from the community and a lack of similar stores inspired him to open a physical location for his online shop.
“It’s like an eBay store that you can walk into,” Louwers said.
Without online fees and shipping costs, the brick and mortar location offers lower prices than Louwers’ online store, he said.
Louwers also buys or trades barely worn, trendy shoes. According to Louwers, he looks for high-end and almost new shoes. Sellers can choose between cash or store credit, but earn slightly more for their shoes by receiving store credit. During weekdays, students interested in trading can make an appointment on Facebook to trade with Louwers. On Saturday and Sunday, Michigan Kiqs is open between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Louwers said his main goal is to draw awareness to the store since most of his business remains online.
“My idea is that I just want people to know we’re here,” Louwers said. “The next time they think ‘I need a pair of shoes,’ our name will pop into their head.”
Katherine Cerne, who lives in Detroit but vacations in Hillsdale in the summer, visited the store after spotting a sign at the Hillsdale farmers market.
“I think that the selection they have here is very eclectic and it’s a great opportunity to get a good pair of shoes–slightly worn but in very good condition for half to a quarter of the price,” Cerne said.
After Cerne’s kids saw the pink Vans she bought, they couldn’t wait to visit the store. When her son Blaise needed new shoes, they returned to browse Nike Air Jordans displayed on the store wall.
“Students want the coolest and latest and obviously they don’t have a lot of money to spend,” Cerne said.
While many shoe fans trade online, Cerne and Muller commend the benefits of buying in person.
“You get to feel it,” Cerne said. “You can see it, you can try it on.”
According to Muller, shopping in person allows customers to see the quality of the shoe for themselves. It also benefits buyers to converse with store owners to learn more about the shoe.
As sneakers evolve, different collaborations keep fans searching for new shoes.
“Any sneakerhead likes the shoe for the story as well,” Muller said. “Collaborations provide this idea of exclusivity and turn shoes into more of a collectible thing as you’re collecting history and trying to keep track of culture at the time.”
According to Louwers, the main draw to opening a location in Hillsdale is the college. With proof of past or present attendance, acceptance, or employment at Hillsdale College, customers can receive a 10% discount.
“The overall experience, I think, is way better when you find those shoes in person,” Louwers said. “Being in person makes it just a whole better experience, and kind of what being a sneakerhead is all about.”
