A brand-new University of Kentucky apparel store is opening soon in Owensboro. Zokee, located on the east side of town, is looking to cater to the large Wildcat fanbase in Owensboro.
Owner Jeremy Kruger has built the business from the ground up online and now he is expanding to a brick and mortar store — his first in Owensboro.
Although he lives in Lexington, Kruger chose his hometown of Owensboro for his first store because he feels Lexington has their fair share of UK apparel stores.
Kim Mezur, Kruger’s sister, is the retail manager for Zokee. She and Kruger are both UK alumni and knew Owensboro would be a good fit for the store.
“We will be carrying everything a Big Blue fan could want,” she said. “We’ll have clothing for the whole family, accessories including jewelry, purses and wallets. Also home decor, baby items, pet items, games and toys, even auto accessories.”
Zokee also carries items for 34 other NCAA schools on their website. Customers will be able to order items from their favorite team in the store at the online kiosk.
Mezur said, if you see something you like in the store, there’s a good chance they carry it in other schools as well.
“Owensboro has a huge population of UK fans,” Mezur said. “I think it will be great to have a one-stop shop for all of their fan needs. It seems like the perfect storm is brewing for the Cats this year. Kentucky football has its best team in decades, and in basketball, the Cats are poised to make a title run. It’s a great time to be a Wildcat.”
Zokee is located in Paradise Plaza on Mount Moriah Avenue. The soft opening will be at noon Oct. 18 with a grand opening Nov. 3.
