YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

Summer is in full swing and outdoor activities are at the top of everyone’s list. Whether you are an avid hiker or runner or enjoy the simple pleasures of camping and being outdoors, it is important to have the right gear, equipment, and of course the perfect attire. Southern Exposure, in Columbia, Tennessee, is a lifestyle company and brand that equates high quality and style to providing functional and stylish clothes and accessories to those that enjoy spending time in the open air.

In 2014, what started as a conversation between Cory Muehlbauer and Andy Kenney at a Mule Day party ended up bringing a high-end retail shopping experience like no other to downtown Columbia. “We were discussing the need for men's clothing in Columbia because at the time Belk and JCPenney were the only options for higher-end clothing. There were also a lot of outdoor-specific brands that carried tactical clothing, but also high-end pants, shirts, and hats that could be both dressy and serve a purpose such as a golf polo and athletic buttons downs,” Kenney explained. “After brainstorming and developing a business plan, Southern Exposure was born.”

Muehlbauer and Kenney, who grew up together in Columbia, were excited to fulfill their dream as they wanted to give back to the community and share their love of the outdoors while offering brands of the highest quality to their customers or as they say, friends. Since opening in 2015 in the historical building at the corner of 7th Street and S. Garden Street, the owners of the upscale lifestyle clothing store made sure alongside the luxury items were also everyday lifestyle necessities. “We are more of an upscale lifestyle clothing store and I wanted to make sure everything carried was high quality and catered to everyday lifestyle needs,” said Muehlbauer. Shoppers will find everything from shoes, to clothing and grills, plus plenty of fun stuff like sunglasses, hats, and t-shirts. Two of the more popular brands of clothing are North Face and Patagonia, both available year-round, as is their own high-end brand of clothing called Southern Exposure. Other notable brands include Travis Mathew, Aftco, Duck Head, and Fish Hippie. On running shoes, which are Swiss performing running shoes and a runner’s dream, are a hot commodity, and seasonal items like the Solo Stoves, a large stainless steel fire pit perfect for campsites or outdoor spaces, are available during the fall season.

In the summer of 2019, Muehlbauer walked into Southern Exposure one morning to find a completely flooded store with major water damage. The sprinklers on the top floor were triggered by a lightning strike and sent water running down the walls for hours, but what at first seemed to be a catastrophe turned into a blessing in disguise. “The store had really low ceilings, but because of the flood we were able to eliminate that floor and open up the ceiling which brightened up the store and we were also able to make some renovations,” said Kenney.

In addition to the renovations, an addition was made to the store, a bar serving cold beer to take your shopping experience to the next level. The idea for the bar came from a retail store down on 30A on the Panhandle and both Muehlbauer and Kenney thought it would be a great addition to the store. “We thought, ‘Wouldn't it be awesome if we could do that?’ The bar came to be with the renovation of the store after the flood and we saw the opportunity for something different and we jumped on it,” Kenney said. As a note, during your visit to Southern Exposure take a moment while you are sipping on a beer to look at the original tile floor uncovered. The beautiful blue and white tiles were original to the pharmacy that once occupied the space many years ago and was discovered when they removed the flood-damaged floors.

Giving back ...

When Muehlbauer and Kenney decided to start a business, they also saw an opportunity to give back to the community. Since opening, they have partnered with many non-profit organizations such as Center for Hope, Columbia Miracle League — which is a new baseball field for special needs kids, Boys and Girls Club, and Polk Home, just to mention a few. They also sponsor Brayden Garrison, a professional golfer who wears the Southern Exposure brand during tournaments, and helped sponsor a golf tournament in memory of Dylan Rebeor, a wide receiver on Central High School’s football that tragically passed away in 2010 at the age of 16 from colon cancer.

Grab a beer and enjoy your shopping experience!

Next time you are looking for the perfect casual outfit or outdoor gear, stop by Southern Exposure near the square in downtown Columbia to find just what you need. While browsing, grab a beer and enjoy your shopping experience. If you bring your fur baby, the bark bar is out front near the doors and at checkout, don’t forget to leave your spare change in the jar at the cash register — funds are matched and then donated to the local animal shelter. Remember, supporting your local businesses and non-profits keeps our community strong!