‘The Maverick’ to host grand opening Friday
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POLSON — After a successful opening on June 15, The Maverick men’s clothing store on Main Street invites the community to join them for their official grand opening on Friday, Aug. 19.
Owned by Valley Journal proprietors Boone and Summer Goddard, The Maverick went from idea to reality through the help of some talented friends, a great location and the desire to offer a variety of men’s clothing styles that had been difficult to find in Lake County.
“I thought it would be fun to mix things up,” Boone said. “Summer and I have thought about opening a second business for a long time. Over the years, it never really panned out, but doors for (The Maverick) just kept opening up. There was very little resistance. That’s not to say the venture has been challenge free, we had to put a lot of work in. But forward momentum prevailed, so it just felt natural. It’s all worked out.”
When looking for a downtown location with enough square footage to offer the variety in selection the Goddards wanted, Boone spoke with a friend who had secured a large location downtown, the former Crow’s Nest Art Gallery, to further expand her business.
“She was excited to see a men’s clothing store downtown, so she offered to relinquish the space,” Boone explained. “We talked it over with the landlords and they said, ‘If you want it, it’s yours.’”
At 2,600 square feet, the space is large enough to house both The Maverick and a brand new office for the Valley Journal newspaper in the back.
The Valley Journal newspaper, founded by the Goddards and four other business partners in September of 2004, will celebrate its 18th year in business next month. Summer and Boone have run the Journal themselves since 2010. Until September of 2020, the Valley Journal office was located in downtown Ronan. The pandemic closed that chapter of the Journal’s history.
“We live in Polson and commuted for many years to our office in Ronan. The distance and financial burden became too much with Covid and homeschooling three children. Re-opening the Valley Journal office in Polson made a lot of sense for us logistically.”
“Taking the newspaper completely remote two and a half years ago, was a difficult decision,” Boone added. “For a lot of reasons, we had to, but it was always our intent to get back to business in an office setting. The opening of the Maverick has allowed us to do just that. It worked out perfectly.”
Located at the back of store, the Journal office is open by chance or appointment. Messages, payments, newspaper submissions and any other correspondence can be dropped off or picked up through Maverick staff. Appointments with Journal staff can be made by calling 406-676-8989 or via email. Journal staff will also be on hand to meet with community members during The Maverick’s grand opening celebration.
“Things do change, but our love for community journalism, the Mission Valley and all its vibrant communities remain,” Summer said. “We look forward to serving our readers and advertisers in our new location.”
Friday’s grand opening is planned for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Polson at 214 Main Street, Suite B. The Maverick will offer a 20% off storewide sale, refreshments and in-store giveaways.
Clothing in the store is organized in four main categories with 6 foot by 6 foot sculptures made by Rob Gunderson representing each: Lake Life, Mountain Man, Business Casual and Hipp Camp.
Men’s gift items including Dr. Squatch soaps and deodorants, hats, bags, wallets, playing cards, grooming kits and a smaller selection of women’s gift items including jewelry are also sold. Clothing and gift items will refresh regularly as the seasons change.
During Friday’s grand opening, a free bar of
Dr. Squatch soap will be given (while supplies last) to anyone who posts a selfie in their favorite section of the store on Facebook or Instagram tagging The Maverick.
“We’re excited to be a new business in downtown Polson and offering something we feel was needed for our community,” Boone stated. “We’re really looking forward to having our locals year-round be patrons of our business and hopefully find something they’re looking for.”
“A Maverick,” he continued, “is an unorthodox or independent minded person. Someone confident enough in who they are to dare to take the road less traveled and forge their own path. I say blaze your own trail. And if you want to look good doing it, stop in and check us out.”
