Brightwater Clothing & Gear — Local services in Excelsior

While Brightwater Clothing & Gear was only established in 2010, Bill Damberg has been in retailing over 25 years. I’ve enjoyed his Excelsior, MN location for years and it’s become a trusted source of great clothing and sporting items for my family.

I lived in Europe for a number of years and am still wearing some revered sweaters, jackets and hats from brands that I came to love; Brightwater offers the same look and quality, and some of the very same brands. We like that there are top US legacy brands to select from, too.

When you step in the shop you know immediately that someone (Bill) has a very selective and discerning eye for the very best products to carry. Living on Lake Minnetonka offers area residents so many pleasures, but in the winter, it is essential to dress warm and comfortably to enjoy the outdoors. Brightwater offers the best clothing and gear you can find anywhere in Minnesota. From Parajumpers, caps, gloves, Donegal Sweaters, and Stand-Up neckwear to belts, boots, and Helle knives from Norway, and much more – all speak of quality and usefulness.

The store is laid so well and the staff so engaging that it is a true shopping pleasure. Items from here are consistently what we reach for most often. Many of the wilderness outfitting items offered are hand-knit or hand-made and the quality just cannot be bested elsewhere. They are made for movement and everyday life experiences boating, skiing, ice fishing, motoring with the car top down, snowboarding, mountain climbing, biking and the like. I am confident to whole-heartedly recommend this shop; you’ll want to be wearing these threads!

Water Street is always well kept and full of unique shops with curb side parking. But when in need, there is ample additional...

Brightwater was an amazing surprise on a pleasant day in Excelsior. Bill (the owner) immediately came up to my family and me and asked how we were doing. He didn't seem to lose a beat when our 14 month old son started playing with the backpacks displayed on the shelves and he even took the time to talk to him a little bit as well. The store was laid out very well and the fitting rooms were spacious. The shopping experience caters to very discerning shoppers who may have already been wearing/using the brands carried in Brightwater for 30 years, or for the casual outdoors person who appreciates good service and quality products. Even though some might experience some sticker shock browsing the jackets, bags, and blankets, it might be helpful to know that after some thorough internet shopping for several of the same items, Brightwater had the same and sometimes cheaper price then...

This has to be one of the best stores in the twin cities area for high quality goods. They carry a beautiful assortment of outerwear and a number of very well made bags and duffles that look like they will last a lifetime. They carry some excellent options representing a number of Big Ten universities that would make fantastic gifts or memorabilia for a grad.

Connie, the owner, is easily one of the most hospitable, kind and welcoming people in retail that we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is extremely helpful and willing to share not only her extensive knowledge of the excellent products she carries but of the local area and activities to look forward to as well

This is a must stop if you come to Excelsior-...