By Pete Wurdock
Newberry’s retail district is growing.
906 Studios and Gifts, the new Upper Peninsula-themed retail store, opened in downtown Newberry on October 18, 2024. Owned by Corey Whitman, the store offers a unique blend of handmade items, holiday decorations, and even sporting goods, catering to locals and visitors.
Many people will recognize Corey from the various jobs he has held around town. Whitman’s retail experience came from working at Family Dollar and Dollar General. He also has extensive experience as a retail vendor at large vending expos. He’s learned to find the best prices on items he wants to sell and pass the savings on to his customers. He uses this experience to get a pulse on items people gravitate toward and has incorporated them into the exclusive items he makes by hand.
“I just want to bring my customers unique items and keep them affordable,” he says.
906 Studios and Gifts is the latest place to go in Newberry for holiday themed items and decorations. Whitman’s vision for the store is rooted in customer satisfaction rather than wealth, with a focus on providing high-quality, affordable products.
“I am here not to get rich,” he said. “As long as I can make a profit and make a living and bring satisfaction to my customers, that is what is most important to me.”
He gives a lot of credit to his landlord for helping him with the location, citing the ease of the way they have been working together and the tremendous amount of labor they had to perform to get the store up and running. The store is located just south of what used to be Duke’s Sports Shop on Newberry Ave.
“I actually have more variety than people realize and carry things they can’t find in other Newberry shops.”
His store sells handmade crafts, holiday wreaths, wax melts, gnomes, hand wash, cosmetic bags, custom vanity license plates, solar yard lights, reusable sporting bags, hats, bibs and receiving blankets for newborns and toddlers. He also has a selection of fishing and hunting items and apparel. He offers free local delivery.
Corey’s dream has always been to be a small business owner, something he often spoke about with his dad, who passed away a few years ago.
“He knew one day I wanted to own and operate my own business,” Whitman said. This is something that quietly drives him and he finds satisfaction knowing that he finally achieved that dream.
“One of the reasons I decided to carry hunting and fishing items is because my dad enjoyed outdoor activities,” he shared. “Since the U.P. is all about nature, I figured why not a combination of sporting items along with everything else have and the sporting items will continue to grow.”
The Upper Peninsula theme is strong in the store, from glasses, mugs, coasters and other unique items. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Hours will increase as the holiday shopping season approaches.
You can find the store on Facebook by searching for 906 Studio and Gifts or call (906) 630-6582.
PHOTO by Pete Wurdock
