‘Where it all began:’ Short North clothing store closes

A clothing retailer known for its sports nostalgia and pop culture apparel has closed its Short North location.

A sign posted over the weekend on the door at HOMAGE (along North High Street across from Union Cafe and next to Wine on High) confirmed this specific location has now shuttered. The store originally opened in 2014.

“This is where it all began,” the sign read. “A lot has happened since these doors first opened and we would not be here without you.”

The Columbus-based company was founded in 2007 by Ryan Vesler with a mission to pay “homage” to the past.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“We spent the first few years wholesaling, operating out of my parents’ basement,” founder Ryan Vesler told 614NOW in a statement. “In 2010, we opened in Brickel Alley, and later moved to High Street, where the brand really began to take shape. So while our roots are very much in the Short North, they started a bit earlier […] As the business has grown across e-commerce, wholesale, team stores and licensing partnerships, we have made the decision to focus on a single in-person retail experience at Easton while continuing to invest in the areas where we are seeing
the most growth.”

Despite the closure, Vesler noted his admiration for the nneighborhood that HOMAGE called Home for nearly a dozen years.

“This is in no way a reflection of the Short North. It remains one of the most vibrant and special neighborhoods anywhere, and we’ve been fortunate to be part of it. This was simply a difficult business decision as our company has evolved over time. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners in the Short North and to the customers who supported us over the years,” he said.

At last check, HOMAGE BAR — which opened in 2023 on the ground floor of The Graduate Columbus hotel down the street — remained in business. 

HOMAGE said shoppers can still visit its storefront at Easton Town Center.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY