Apparel Store, Optical Business To Open At Block5
A popular national outwear and accessory brand and a local optical center are coming to downtown Rapid City.
Both Overland Sheepskin Co. and Melanie’s Optical Boutique have leased space at Block5, the mixed-use development developed, built and managed by Lloyd Companies.
Founded in 1973 in Taos, New Mexico, Overland Sheepskin is a family-run, heritage outerwear brand known for its craftsmanship and premium materials. Overland specializes in shearling, leather, and wool pieces that blend rugged Western durability with refined quality.
Shoppers can expect handcrafted sheepskin coats designed to last a lifetime, along with a wide range of leather jackets, sheepskin slippers, winter boots, and natural fiber home decor that embody the brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Overland Sheepskin Co. was drawn to the Rapid City market by its iconic landscapes, strong sense of adventure and proximity to iconic American destinations like the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore made Rapid City a perfect fit, according to information from the business.
“Block 5’s location in the heart of town, with its mix of residential, restaurants, and hotel, offers a prime space for our newest store,” it said.
“Each Overland store is thoughtfully designed to showcase the brand’s signature sheepskin, leather, and wool pieces in an inviting and welcoming setting. Expanding to distinctive destinations like Rapid City allows Overland to bring its timeless craftsmanship, always friendly customer service, and enduring Western spirit to a community where it will resonate.”
Overland stores offer a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the brand’s roots in the American West. The look and feel blend rustic details with approachable comfort, featuring natural sheepskin, leather, and neutral tones throughout. Each storefront features windows designed sheepskin, leather, and neutral tones throughout. Each storefront features windows designed to highlight the tactile textures of genuine sheepskin and leathers, encouraging guests to come inside and feel the craftsmanship and quality of the materials firsthand.
The store at Block5 will be the first in South Dakota and the 23rd store in the U.S. Its opening is planned for December.
More services will be coming to Block5, too.
Owner Dr. Melanie Hamiel brought her optometry practice to Rapid City four years ago after returning to South Dakota from Los Angeles. She’s currently based out of Pearl Vision but will be moving her practice to Block5, where it will be called Melanie’s Optical Boutique.
“Coming from a metropolitan area, I’m used to cities and I feel like downtown is where our city is. I love the old architecture and that I’ll have my own entrance off the street and can make it my own because it’s a new place,” she said.
“It’s a blank palette and I want it to be a place where everyone feels good coming no matter what walk of life they’re coming from – they feel comfortable and happy and get good service.”
Optometry runs in the family for Hamiel, who graduated from Mitchell High School. Her grandfathers, many of his siblings and her uncle all were optometrists.
“So it’s been in the family,” she said. “I’m hoping all my current patients will come to the downtown location. I take a lot of insurances, and I think people will see that.”
She will offer vision care services, glasses and contact lenses and hopes to open early next year.
“I just thought it was a great location and a great opportunity and I’m really excited about it,” Hamiel said.
Look for her space to reflect her artistic career, too. She’s also a musician and plans to incorporate framed albums she owns.
“I just want it to be a fun place where everybody feels good about the exam but also about themselves in glasses or contacts when they leave,” she said.
The two new business will join brunch restaurant Toastique, which opened at Block5 earlier this year. There’s only one 1,655-square-foot retail space remaining.
“We’re working with several interested tenants and are very pleased with the businesses that already have joined Block5,” said Raquel Blount, vice president of commercial real estate for Lloyd.
“They complement each other and the property very well. We think they’re going to find a lot of success not just being located downtown but with the on-site Hyatt Place hotel regularly drawing visitors and the Block5 lofts filling up with residents.”
For more information on the remaining space, click here.
