A keen observer may have noticed a change in signage at 1 W. Superior St. within the past week. Gone from the storefront at downtown Duluth’s busiest corner is Double Dutch, a gift store centered around local, handmade goods. An announcement via the business’ Facebook page stated that one year after opening, it has decided to move away from its brick-and-mortar location and will now be dealing exclusively online.
Meanwhile, a new business has taken up residence in Duluth’s East Hillside.
The Red Door, East Fourth Street's newest store, is breathing new life into a foreclosed property, while giving clothing for men, women, and children a second chance. The shop at 720 E. Fourth St. specializes in a blend of clothing, accessories, handbags, antiques, vintage items, and home decor.
Upon entering the namesake red front door, one is met with a variety of items, including new and secondhand clothing and accessories. Handmade jewelry and home decor, vintage kitchen items, and antiques fill shelves and displays throughout the store. All rests upon two stories of charming creaky wood floors in a classic narrow, deep 1908 building that proudly displays ornate woodwork.
This unique setting is resonating well among those who have taken notice of Fourth Street's new addition. The first month of business has been met with positive response from the neighborhood.
"Other businesses are very welcoming," office manager Nick McGee said. "We've had a lot of repeat business."
The storefront was obtained earlier this year, in January, and work began promptly. The project had been several years in the making, but moved forward when the building became available.
A vintage goods shop, Obscuriosities Retro, previously occupied the space, but heavy refurbishing was needed for the new occupant. A top-to-bottom makeover of the building was performed: extensive repainting, heavy work on the store’s basement, and a fire-damaged section of the building repaired. New and reclaimed wood has been used to seamlessly fix the fire damage and stay true to the building's history.
The result is a storefront with a great deal of charm and character. Each of shop's numerous rooms is dedicated to displays for a different purpose, including a 'vintage closet' upstairs, containing women's vintage clothing exclusively.
A grand opening is in the not-too-distant-future, though a date has not yet been finalized. The Red Door is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Photos by Devan Burnett