What started as an idea quickly became a prospering shop. The owner of Bridge Street exchange, Kevin Bagola, started out in the insurance industry, then left to sell wedding rings.

Three years later, the need for a street side business became apparent, and turned into a menswear shop in Linden. As of now, he is busy running his shop from a new location: Fenton.

“We want people to be comfortable,” Bagola said. “The design elements and everything help play it off as a Classic American, rustic kind of vintage Americana I guess is an easy way to put it. We try to cultivate a lot of brands you’re not going to find in other stores. We bring a lot of things people see on the internet but they’re maybe not sure what they’re about and so they can come here and see it live in person.”

The Bridge Street Exchange in Linden closed March 15. The new one in Fenton opened March 28, selling their usual mens gift items, apparel, boots, hats and grooming products. The store offers brands such as Nixon watches, Olukai shoes, Shinola bicycles and Titanium Buzz rings. Bagola purposely aimed his store to appeal to men after noticing men have less opportunities to express themselves through style.

“We were facing some environmental issues that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) responded to in Downtown Linden,” Bagola said. “We chose to move on from that area for the safety of our employees.”

The family-run menswear store is located at 104 S. Leroy in Fenton. Open Monday through Wednesday 10-6, Thursday and Friday 10-8, and Saturday 10-4. For more about their products and brands, visit their website, bridgestreetexchange.com.