Pam and Bill Conn retiring, selling Wines on Main, Muleskinner Boot Shop

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Doris Galvin of D&B Strategic Marketing for the information and photo in this story.)

Pam and Bill Conn are officially retiring at the end of 2019.

The Chelsea community, as well as their loyal customers and friends are going to miss them. Pam Conn embarked upon her venture, Wines on Main, in 2017 when she and Bill Conn finished renovation of the building that had previously been Chelsea Hardware.

Bill Conn moved the Mule Skinner Boot Shop to a new location that ultimately was conveniently right next door when his wife opened the Wine Shop. There are several discussions in process with potential businesses that might inhabit the space in their absence.

The Conn’s have been doing business in Chelsea since 1997 with the boot shop moving from Ann Arbor. The first location in Chelsea was on Main Street in the space that is currently occupied by The Sun Times News. People travel from near and far to purchase the perfect pair of boots after a bit of wrangling with Bill about the exact right price. 

The Conns are thankful and appreciative of the many friends they have made over their years in Chelsea. Their passion and commitment to Chelsea is evident in the quality of the Chelsea Hardware building restoration and in their dedication to creating vibrant businesses in Chelsea.

Pam Conn describes her venture into wine as “getting into the discovery business.” She started as a full-time wine discovery student surrounding herself with knowledgeable sommeliers and wine distributors who brought insights into unique characteristics of each grape, each vineyard, and each region.

Wines on Main also became home to the Bourbon Club with a stalwart group of hardy members who have enjoyed 23 Bourbon Tastings since its inception in May 2018. 

Pam Conn played a pivotal role in getting Wine, Women & Shopping off the ground 14 years ago. October 2019, she spearheaded great fun with Witches Night Out, and she has contributed in a significant way to the music movement in Chelsea by bringing quality performance to Chelsea at Wines on Main. 

Since 1973, Mule Skinner Boot Shop has been selling and creating quality Western boots, hats, belts, holsters, and purses with personal service and attention to detail. His first venture began at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in 1969, then a store location on Forrest Street, and a second location on Washtenaw before coming to Chelsea.

Bill Conn is retiring from the boot shop, but in true Bill fashion, he will continue to make belts and holsters and will continue to have a Facebook presence for his friends and followers to stay in touch. He invites his customers to stop by to share their favorite story and be sure to pick up a new pair of boots before the doors officially close.

Everything is on sale, including shelving, longhorns, fixtures, neon signs, and more.  There are lots of boots, vests, and hats, but when they are gone, they are gone.

Pam Conn shared that what she has loved the most about Wines on Main is “friends and customers; they are wonderful people who create the spirit of our Wine Shop.” She loves listening to stories because she believes “everyone has a unique one to share.” 

Stop by to pick up wine for the holidays; all wine is 10-percent discount for 1-5 bottles and 15-percent discount for 6+ bottles, all wine accessories and unique gifts are also available at a 10-percent discount.

She encourages everyone to stop by to help celebrate Wines on Main’s 3^rd anniversary on Nov. 27 from 6-11 p.m.