Color Change the New Focus for Mackinac Island Bike Shop
By Bernie Nguyen

Ira Green with one of his color-changing T-shirts at Mackinac Island Bike Shop.

Mackinac Island Bike Shop, through the Lakeview Hotel, has gone with a whole new character for its retail face one that changes color. Del Sol, a specialty shop that takes up most of the old space that Mackinac Island Bike Shop used to inhabit, now exclusively sells unique products that changes shades dramatically when exposed to sunlight.

The store, which is painted in bright, sunny colors, is equipped with demonstration panels that allow customers to experiment with the products and watch the colors change, from decorative clothing and jewelry to hats and nail polish.

"Wow," said Ira Green, the owner of Mackinac Island Bike Shop and Del Sol. "That's exactly what [people] say."

Del Sol's tote bags, T-shirts, and accessories have enjoyed a brisk following thus far, says manager Tony Hahn.

"People are amazed by the product," Mr. Hahn said. "Business has been very good."

Mr. Green said that the transition from exclusively operating as a bike shop was one based on a lack of interest in the specialty parts the shop used to carry.

"We wanted something to meet the consumer's needs," said Mr. Green, who then decided to find a product that would appeal to customers.

After looking into a new direction, Mr. Green thought of Del Sol, a product he had been exposed to in the past in numerous

resort areas. He transitioned the shop from bike supply to retail, carring the Del Sol product line, though Mr. Greene still offers bike rentals and sales as well as basic repair.

"People love the color of the store, both inside and out," said Mr. Hahn of the store's brightly pained exterior and lively interior.

Mr. Hahn said that Del Sol's most popular product is the Old World T-shirt, which depicts a 1702 map of the world that changes from neutral shades to bright colors when exposed to solar rays.

"We've sold out of them twice," he said.

Both Mr. Green and Mr. Hahn felt that the store's main appeal lies both in its unusual products and in the store's vibe, which sets it apart from any other shop on the Island.

"It's different from everything else you see," Mr. Hahn said. "You feel like you're in the Caribbean."

"There isn't another one" on the Island, Mr. Green added. "This is one-of-a-kind."