Iconic Short North Clothing Store HOMAGE Closes Abruptly

The Columbus-based retailer known for sports nostalgia and pop culture apparel shutters its original location.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:25pm

HOMAGE, a clothing retailer founded in 2007 with a mission to pay 'homage' to the past through sports nostalgia and pop culture apparel, has abruptly closed its original Short North location in Columbus, Ohio. A sign posted on the door thanked customers, saying 'This is where it all began' and that the company 'would not be here without you.' The company's other location at Easton Town Center remains open.

Why it matters

The closure of HOMAGE's Short North store, which had been a fixture in the neighborhood for nearly two decades, marks the end of an era for the beloved Columbus-based brand. The Short North has undergone significant changes in recent years, with rising rents and the departure of long-standing local businesses, making it increasingly challenging for independent retailers to maintain a presence in the area.

The details

HOMAGE was founded in 2007 by Ryan Vesler with the goal of celebrating sports and pop culture history through its apparel. The Short North location, which was across the street from Union Cafe and next to Wine on High, had been the company's original storefront. A sign posted on the door over the weekend announced the closure, thanking customers and saying 'This is where it all began.' The company's Easton Town Center location remains open.

  • HOMAGE was founded in 2007.
  • The Short North location opened around 2007 and has been in business for nearly two decades.
  • The closure was announced over the weekend of March 28-29, 2026.

The players

HOMAGE

A Columbus-based clothing retailer known for its sports nostalgia and pop culture apparel. The company was founded in 2007 with the goal of paying 'homage' to the past through its designs.

Ryan Vesler

The founder of HOMAGE, who started the company in 2007 with a mission to celebrate sports and pop culture history through apparel.

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What’s next

HOMAGE has not announced any specific plans for the future, but the company's Easton Town Center location remains open. It's unclear if the brand will look to open a new flagship store in the Short North or elsewhere in Columbus.

The takeaway

The closure of HOMAGE's Short North store, which had been a landmark in the neighborhood for nearly two decades, is a bittersweet moment for the Columbus community. It highlights the challenges that independent retailers face in maintaining a presence in rapidly changing urban areas like the Short North, where rising rents and the departure of long-standing local businesses have made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive.