Buck + Fir. Photo by TJ Turner
From its raw, industrial space to its heritage-infused goods, new Excelsior shop Buck + Fir wouldn’t be out of place in the North Loop—and that’s no accident. Tucked into the back of a historic building off Water Street, the women’s clothing and accessories store inhabits a renovated old garage.
“We were really inspired by all the stores in the North Loop,” says Ashley Berset, who owns the shop with her mother, Cindy, and sister, Kelsey. “This was the first spot we walked into, and thought, it actually feels like it could be in Minneapolis.”
About half of the boutique’s merchandise is dedicated to streetwear-inspired trends popular on the coasts, such as athleisure and message tees. Products include colorful sneakers by Saucony Originals and Brooks Heritage—two throwback brands inspired by footwear of the ’70s and ’80s—as well as color-blocked leggings and racerback crop tops designed to go from the gym to the street.
The other half of Buck + Fir is devoted to all things Minnesota: think plaid flannel shirts by Blank NYC and Thread and Supply, retro ski hats by MPLS/STP Clothing Co., footwear by Minnetonka Moccasins, kitschy Minnesota-themed tees, and hand-dyed scarves from Minneapolis designer Martha McQuade. The store also sells sweatshirts inspired by the lettering and colors of vintage Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints jerseys by Seattle-based brand Ebbetts Field Flannels.
Altogether, it’s a look the store’s owners dub “Minnesota cool meets coastal casual”—but we’d call it the suburbs’ answer to the North Loop.
Buck + Fir, 219 Water St., Excelsior, 952-470-3594, buckandfir.com
