A photo of a Clearview General Store construction project from 1983.  The store has evolved several times over its 90 years in business.  Photo: Boreal Community Media

Exclusive to Boreal Community Media - March 1, 2021

In a year where many small businesses are struggling, Clearview General Store in Downtown Lutsen is thriving and even expanding.  New owners Chris and Dave Homyak are currently undertaking a major expansion/renovation.  The current space is expanding into the space formally occupied by Great Gifts.  After many years in Lutsen, the Great Gifts shop is relocating to Grand Marais.

Clearview has gone under many iterations in its over 90 year history. Started in the 1930’s as a store and resort, the operation closed from 1965 – 1980 when it was then reopened.  In 1981, Jeff and Anna Latz bought the operation and operated the store for 25 years and the building operations until this past October when they sold to the Homyaks.

In 1983 the Latz’s added the space occupied by Great Gifts which was the original space designed for Heavy Duty Sewing.  That business expanded with another addition in 1989 with Heavy Duty Sewing creating a second floor workroom and the main level converting to a full scale gift shop.

 The iconic Lutsen store has operated in one form or another for 90 years.  Photo:  Boreal Community Media

In 2019 Anna closed her second floor workroom and the space was converted into a quilt shop owned and operated by Sylivia Galbriath.  The gift shop continued on the main floor until the end of 2020.

As operators of the general store for many years, the Latz's were always looking for ways to increase the space and store offerings.  Hemmed in from both sides, with a gift shop on one side and the post office on the other,  they added space in 1997 by digging up the backyard and expanding deeper into the property.

Now the Homyak's have big plans to expand the general store and the services it provides.  They will also keep an area stocked with gifts to compliment their store offerings.  With more than 1400 additional sq. ft. of store space, Clearview will have the feel of a full-fledged grocery store.

Watch as we all follow their progress over the next couple of months.