Michigan Pantry settles into new location at Holland Town Center

HOLLAND TWP. — On Oct. 1, Michigan Pantry opened its new location in Holland Town Center. Until Sept. 28, the food and gift store was located on River Avenue in downtown Holland.

“The move actually went smoother than I thought,” said owner Robin Nash. “We had enough good help and, technically, we had it moved in an evening. We kind of went through everything in our head beforehand.”

According to Missi Bastiaanse, the store manager, the response has been very positive.

“It’s been great,” she said. “People love that we’re over here.”

Bastiaanse is especially impressed with new mall ownership. In November 2017, Holland Town Center was purchased by Illinois-based Edwards Realty Co., a management and investment firm.

“They’re really working on getting all of the spaces filled,” said Bastiaanse. “I think it’s been a great, positive thing because usually the people that buy places like this, they never put anything back into it. But they’re very excited and they want to revitalize the entire mall.”

According to the mall’s website, the goal is to provide a revitalized look with a neighborhood feel so it can be a gathering place for local residents.

While there are larger businesses located in the mall like Gap Outlet and Planet Fitness, the core stores are a mix of small businesses and local nonprofits including Black Tulip Salon and Spa, Seppo Chiropractic, Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, EcoBuns and Eighth Day Farms.

“It was just a great opportunity that came up,” said Bastiaanse of the decision to move Michigan Pantry. “It was nice to have more parking.”

The former Michigan Pantry building on River Avenue was purchased by Ellis and Carolyn Stitch in June. The couple is interested in replacing Michigan Pantry, but the process is ongoing.

“We’d like to lease it out,” said Ellis. “But we don’t have anyone definitively lined up yet.”

Meanwhile, Nash and Bastiaanse are prepared for the fall season.

“We have delicious pumpkin butter and apple butter, which is a seasonal thing we do every fall,” said Nash. “We also have beautiful soy candles that are made local, and we have a nice selection of handcrafted fall decor items.”