COLUMBUS, Ohio — Apparel brand Homage has closed its retail store in the Short North, as the company shifts its focus toward e-commerce and partnership-driven growth.
The store, located at 783 N. High St., had been part of Homage’s presence in the neighborhood since the company’s early days. Founder and CEO Ryan Vesler said the decision reflects a broader change in business operations, with recent growth coming primarily from online sales, wholesale accounts, team stores and licensing partnerships.
“The Short North has been an important part of our store,” Vesler said in a statement. “It’s where we built real relationships with customers and established ourselves in the early days.”
Vesler said Homage has experienced a steady decline in foot traffic and sales performance at the Short North location. With the store’s lease set to expire later this year, the company chose not to renew. Homage will instead focus its in-person retail efforts at its Easton Town Center location, while continuing to invest in its direct-to-consumer platform and external partnerships.
Vesler emphasized that the closure does not reflect negatively on the Short North neighborhood.
“It remains one of the most vibrant and special neighborhoods anywhere, and we’ve been fortunate to be a part of it,” Vesler said. “This was simply a difficult business decision as our company has evolved over time.”
Homage will maintain a presence in the neighborhood through its bar inside the Graduate Hotel at 750 N. High St., Vesler said. He also expressed appreciation for employees and customers connected to the Short North store.
“The people who have been part of the Short North store, past and present, played a real role in shaping what Homage is today,” Vesler said. “We’re thankful for every customer who supported us along the way.”