Case study · Merchandise
Don Orr Ski N' Beach Haus Merchandise
A piece of an iconic Traverse City storefront, made to wear.
The storefront people wanted to take home
The brief. Create a new souvenir shirt that celebrates Don Orr Ski N' Beach Haus and gives customers a piece of its iconic Traverse City storefront to take with them.
The opportunity. Don Orr Ski N' Beach Haus has been a Traverse City staple since 1953, with an iconic A-frame storefront that has become recognizable in its own right. With limited apparel and growing demand for it, there was an opportunity to create something customers would be excited to wear beyond the store's own inventory. The goal was to build on Don Orr's existing identity, turning the character of the shop into a souvenir that felt distinctly theirs.
The solution. Studio Roo developed a front-and-back apparel design centered around a custom illustration of the A-frame storefront. We found a balance between realism and simplification, adding details from the surrounding Northern Michigan landscape. The final system pairs a simplified left-chest mark with a larger illustrated back graphic featuring the storefront, Traverse City coordinates, and Don Orr's 1953 heritage. The artwork was also explored across additional colorways and applications like stickers, signage, packaging, and other Don Orr merchandise.
From sketch to souvenir
Built to travel beyond the shop
A Traverse City landmark, redrawn as the souvenir customers were already asking for.Don Orr Ski N' Beach Haus merchandise
Got a place people love enough to wear?
