Through 12/23
Cleveland-based Ohio Knitting Mills has an intriguing backstory.
Founded in the mid 1920s, the company mass-produced knitwear for major sportswear labels and stores ranging from Sears Roebuck to Saks Fifth Avenue, employing more than 1,000 workers at its peak. Like most other American clothing manufacturers, it had fallen victim to outsourcing by the early years of this century.
Then in 2006, the company was purchased by entrepreneur Steven Tatar who acquired their back stock of thousands of sweaters from the ’40s-’70s. The revived Ohio Knitting Mills has been selling that back stock and began producing new knit designs with a retro feel, primarily for men, although it also has garments for women and sweaters anyone would love to wear. It sells them online and through special events and pop-up shops.
It’s again popping up for the holidays, this time opening the door at its studio/factory on Perkins Avenue just north of Chester. “Come see where the magic happens,” they entice. There you’ll find hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters for both men and women. Give a gift that’s not just American-made, it’s Cleveland-made.
They will be open daily 11am-5pm Monday through Saturday through Wed 12/23.