Where the fashionable and practical clothing items of winter combine, Bivouac awaits the willing consumer. Braving the rainy slosh of a Michigan November, or perhaps the fierce chill of January, students face a predicament: fleece or parka? The indecision becomes perhaps a student's greatest nuisance.
When no expense is to be spared, Bivouac assures the finest quality of winter clothing. It features the most popular names in seasonal apparel: The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot and Vasque are available for those who attempt to avoid the winter chill. Other major labels like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Polo represent the most updated trends in the clothing section.
Bivouac's selection changes with every shift in collegiate fashion. Initially, the store opened as an army surplus outlet featuring the used-clothing apparel typical of the '70s. Owner Ed Davidson said, "As the hair got shorter, and as the clothes got newer, so did the style of Bivouac."
With the inconsistencies in Michigan weather, the vast selection of everything from coats, hats, gloves and boots should suffice for any unexpected climate. LSA junior Melissa Shubalis said, "You can shop for everything there."
But, for many, the price, could be a problem. Perhaps the most universal complaint for the wonder-outlet is the charge for being warm and fashionably correct. LSA first-year student Krysia Eustice protested, "I think it's a cool place, but for the starving student, it isn't very realistic."
Davidson defended his prices by insisting that the quality of the merchandise gives the student more for their money. "It's a fact of quality," he argued. "For every (name-brand) product we have, we carry an off-brand that is less expensive."
The high expenses, however, have not pushed consumers away. The best-seller for the year thus far has been the fleece vest ($72); a long-run popular choice has been the Patagonia snap-tee fleece ($85), adequate for any weather and for the laundry-fearing student. Davidson also mentioned that ear bands ($10) have become a hot commodity in the cooling climate. "More and more people are driven by function over fashion," he said, "but fashion still plays an important role."
Aside from clothing items, Bivouac also has the equipment for the audacious traveler. The store carries everything from tents to sleeping bags, and even those key chains with the steel clasps. One section of the store focuses on the "extremities," with a plethora of gloves, hats, socks and boots.
The "extremities" section rests in the store's initial location. In 1971, Bivouac opened at the corner of Nickels Arcade and the State Street shopping strip; in 1973 it moved to 336 S. State St., three doors from the original starting place. It now extends from the Arcade to Ashley's, covering four storefronts.
Davidson expanded the store from Iowa City, where he had owned the establishment in a partnership. He is the sole partner now, and he has continued to expand and enhance his Ann Arbor location.
Winter depression sometimes calls for an immense shopping spree. At Bivouac, the spree may end at just one item, but the quality is guaranteed to last, or at least to cure the cabin fever blues.
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
LSA first year student Holly Clister tries on a jacket at Bivouac yesterday.