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In anticipation of Benzinga’s headquarters moving to the heart of Detroit, we’ll be putting out a monthly series highlighting new establishments and exciting things going on in what will be our new home.
Detroit may not be the first city that comes to mind when talking about fashion.
New York? Yes. Paris? Definitely. But a rust belt city known for automobiles and manufacturing? You might be surprised.
Detroit has hosted a fashion week every summer for the last decade or so that includes a fashion show now hosted at The Detroit Institute of Arts, and a number of small fashion retailers have popped up in the city like Detroit Denim Co., Detroit Manufacturing and Division Street Boutique (makers of the "Detroit Hustles Harder" T-shirts).
But larger retailers are making their fashion mark in Detroit, as well. Here are just a few:
MooseJaw
This outdoor gear and snowboarding apparel retailer was a little ahead of the curve. Moosejaw made the move to its downtown Detroit location back in November of 2012.
CEO Eoin Comerford told Benzinga that because Moosejaw is recognized as an innovator within the retail industry when it comes to store concepts and marketing, it only made sense for it to open a shop in Detroit. Comerford said it means a lot to be a part of the resurgence of Detroit.
“Our roots are here in Detroit, and our community of customers here is the strongest and most passionate,” he said. “Detroit is our home, and we want nothing more than to help it flourish.”
Celebrating Earth Day is all about figuring out more ways to get to Mars. #EarthDay
— Moosejaw (@MoosejawMadness) April 22, 2015
Shinola
Shinola prides itself on manufacturing goods in Detroit. Although it first started with watches and other leather goods, the product line has expanded to include bicycles, pet products and even phone cases.
Detroit is synonymous with manufacturing and innovation across the world, CEO Steve Bock told Benzinga.
"It's that history and legacy that drew Shinola to Detroit to open our watch factory and headquarters," he said.
Bock added that Shinola is very optimistic about the future of Detroit.
"Detroit has added significantly to the success of Shinola," he said.
Our strap edges are painted in small batches and require at least three coats to achieve precise craft and quality. pic.twitter.com/bK8SY7ixWO
— Shinola (@Shinola) April 21, 2015
Nojo Kicks
Located in the trendy new Z Lot, Nojo Kicks offers a variety of apparel including jerseys, hats, tailored jeans and, of course, shoes. Luxury sneakers, to be exact.
Nojo Kicks represents the new age of sneaker enthusiasts, according to the website. Nojo Kicks opened in downtown Detroit a little less than a year ago, and just recently launched a pop-up shop in a Detroit suburb.
Operations Manager Darryl Blanding told Benzinga the city has received Nojo Kicks very well.
"So many people thought we would be a robbery waiting to happen, but Detroit proved them all wrong," Blanding said. "We're proof that you can put amazing products in our city."
Blanding added that being a part of the resurgence of Detroit is huge.
"We all grew up here. This is home. So why not live our dream here?" he said.
Opening day necessities! #Nojokicks #shoe #kicks #instashoes #instakicks #sneakers #sneaker… https://t.co/BvWNWPOxji
— Nojo Kicks (@NojoKicks) April 6, 2015
John Varvatos
The emergence of this men’s luxury fashion retailer on the Detroit scene caused quite a stir this spring, and even attracted the likes of rocker Alice Cooper to perform at the opening bash, as founder John Varvatos returned to his home town.
“For me, this is much more than a business opportunity. It is also about changing the complexion of a great city and creating a different kind of legacy,” Founder John Varvatos said in a statement.
Varvatos, a Detroit native, also said that Detroit is well past its tipping point, and he’s thrilled to be playing a role in the city’s ongoing transformation.
“This is a dream come true. Going back to my roots, where all my influences started, brings back so many great memories,” he said. “I look forward to being a small part of building the future of this great city.”
Whiskey tasting & gentlemans accessories: #JVMadison Watch Week event, showcasing the @ernstbenz x JV Limited Edition pic.twitter.com/gn1wj7WVwz
— John Varvatos (@johnvarvatos) April 22, 2015
Restoration Hardware
Furniture is very much a part of fashion. Late last year, Crain's Detroit Business reported that Restoration Hardware might be opening up an outlet store in downtown Detroit after a Crain’s Detroit Business article cited unnamed sources.
This luxury home furnishing retailer offers everything from contemporary living room collections to rustic decor and other accessories.
When asked about a downtown Detroit location, Restoration Hardware Spokeswoman Emily Reaman said there were no officer details to offer.
Retail expert and Senior Vice President of Emerging Brands at Lamour Group Ryan Craver told Benzinga that Detroit has 3 components working in its favor: authenticity, social responsibility and a turnaround story.
"With the overwhelming amount of content and number of new brands in today's world, those three components excite brands and encourage involvement," he said.
— Restoration Hardware (@RestoHardware) February 18, 2011
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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