Photo by Amy Nelson
There are luxurious $10 pullovers and $20 insulated vests for sale this month at the little-known but local eco apparel and outerwear company Storm Creek, located in a business park off Hwy. 494 in Eagan.
But act fast, because these high-quality items are sure to go fast once word gets out. The company has a final pop-up date on Thursday, Dec. 16. The sale continues online too through Dec. 20.
With a motto of “Better Product for the Greater Good,” the company that started in 2006 focuses on both on the environmental impact of its clothing as well as philanthropy and giving back. It is also female-owned with approximately 35 employees. CEO Teresa Fudenberg says Storm Creek’s clothing is often compared with Patagonia and North Face apparel, but at a fraction of the price. These attributes all add up to Storm Creek’s designation as the Dakota County Regional Chamber Small Business of the Year winner, awarded in November.
Photo by Amy Nelson
“We are extremely honored to be recognized by the Dakota County Regional Chamber as small business of the year,” Fudenberg said in a news release. “We are a small but mighty and growing company with an unwavering focus to be better and do better in every aspect of our business.”
Visit the company’s headquarters and small showroom near the new Vikings Lakes development in Eagan to see the affordable yet well designed and constructed garments. Otherwise, order from the company’s catalog or online. There are fun “mystery boxes” for $49 and $69 that make for a wonderful surprise and a wide range of sizes beyond the standard S-M-L options. There are also accessories like hats and pre-set arrangements to shop.
Photo by Amy Nelson
Fudenberg explained that, starting this year, all of the company’s styles are made with recycled fabrics or insulation from waste, such as plastic bottles, and each item displays how many bottles were used. For example, Storm Creek’s Collaborator quarter-zip pullover uses 13 plastic bottles in each item.
As a partner with 1% for the Planet, Storm Creek also donates 1% of every purchase to support organizations focused on environmental change. Fudenberg said the company’s goal is to donate $5 million to charities by 2030 and is well on its way to achieving that. It has identified five national charities but also donates to several Minnesota organizations. (The national charities are the American Cancer Society; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Feeding America; The National Park Foundation; and Ronald McDonald House Charities.)
Beyond the catalog, online, and showroom sales, a large portion of Storm Creek’s operation is business-to-business, and it works for large corporations to clothe employees or create branded apparel. And while supply-chain issues stalled some shipments this year, Fudenberg said the pop-up sale customers will benefit, as select jackets and pullovers will be marked down to $25.
With those prices and products, Storm Creek may soon take the world by storm.
