HOWDY HONEY. Ramble Provisions has opened its first storefront in Banbury Place (800 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire). The storefront, owned by Brett DeJager (right), is celebrating five years of online business, the addition of Paige Gurtner (left) to the team, and its expanded retail offerings.

A new in-person storefront in Eau Claire aims to bring a unique touch to the Americana apparel style with handcrafted, USA-made goods. Ramble Provisions has now opened their first brick and mortar in Banbury Place (800 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire).

Located on the first floor of building 13, the storefront carries a wide array of apparel and lifestyle merchandise all revolving around Western-inspired imagery.

However, in the truest sense, this isn’t Ramble Provisions “first rodeo,” as the brand celebrated their five year anniversary just days prior to their in-person opening.

“I can literally remember the day I decided on a name,” Brett DeJager, the owner of Ramble Provisions said. “I knew I was passionate about (the business) then, but to hold onto something for five years — and to keep it from dying — it is only going to get better from here.”

Ramble Provisions first began amidst the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, when DeJager desired a creative outlet amidst being an educator full-time. After flipping through a dictionary one day, and randomly flipped to the word “ramble,” he knew then the direction of his business.

The brand first retailed online with its signature flat brim hat, “The Horseman,” featuring a Western motif of a skeleton cowboy. This imagery quickly expanded into men’s apparel, from tee shirts to hoodies and long sleeves. But a question quickly emerged: what about merchandise for the women in our lives?

Ramble Provisions' hat display in Banbury Place, complete with designs for all types of cowboys and cowgirls.

DeJager alongside his new team member and partner, Paige Gurtner, now evoke the independent, footloose spirit of cowboys exploring the open frontier — for all walks of life.

Gurtner has since contributed to the business by offering design concepts for women's apparel. Ramble Provisions’ new visuals — either on hats, cropped tee shirts, and hoodies too — draw inspiration from romantic Western themes, such as the allure of a dashing outlaw or the dualities independent spirit of a cowgirl.

“Some of our (apparel) is more Americana inspired and some of it is more like the skeleton (image),” Gurtner said. “It’s kind of an eclectic mix, but I also feel that works for our demographic.”

Ramble Provision’s big ticket item: their cowboy hats. The Eau Claire shop has partnered with Greeley Hat Works out of Greeley, Colorado to craft one-of-a-kind headwear for all types of occasions.

DeJager said Ramble Provisions' merchandise embodies the true Americana spirit, with all designs and products sourced from regional manufacturers and designers, he shared.

Ramble Provisions' products — both in-person and online — are designed by regional artists and made in the United States, DeJager said.

The duo plans to expand their retail offerings — some of which are already in the works — with new home decor items such as candles, vintage signage, and tapestries. In the clothing department, they will soon be adding jean jackets, belt buckles, and other custom accessories to their in-store and online selections.

During its opening weekend, Ramble Provisions received overwhelming support from local residents, the duo said. Visitors at Banbury Place stopped by to greet DeJager and Gurtner, purchased new items, and learned more about the business's vision.

“Not only do we have products that people are interested in, but we have something for everybody at a price point that they can afford,” the duo said. “(We) have been so surprised at how supportive everybody has been, especially in this building.”

The Ramble Provisions duo poses with big smiles as they celebrate their in-person opening day on Aug. 23 at Banbury Place in downtown Eau Claire.

Ramble Provisions is located on the first floor of Banbury Place in building 13.

Ramble Provisions at Banbury Place (800 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire) will have monthly rotating hours; in September, the storefront will be open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. For current hours of operation, check their social media platforms (@rambleprovisions).