Shopping Spree: 10 Cool Detroit Stores
Detroit’s food scene is undoubtedly expanding, but most don’t realize that retail in The D is also on the rise. Whether you are in need of something specific or just browsing for fun, check out this list, which includes 10 places to shop in Detroit:
Carhartt
Carhartt, a store widely known for its durable work apparel, was born in Detroit in 1889; 126 years later, a flagship store opened on Cass Avenue. Not only did both Detroit and Michigan natives build the store and paint the store’s mural, the wood used throughout the store is reclaimed lumber from Detroit homes that have been torn down. Visit Carhartt’s Detroit page for specific hours and more about its history.
City Bird
A little birdie might have told you about an indie boutique located on West Canfield. If you’re interested in housewares, accessories and jewelry from more than 200 Detroit and other “rust belt city” artists, you’ll need to check out City Bird. City Bird is open seven days a week.
Detroit Mercantile Co.
Detroit Mercantile Co., like mercantile and general stores of the past, strives to find the highest quality products from Detroit, Michigan and the United States. From accessories to apparel to décor, this Russell Street store has it all.
Hugh
Have Hugh been to Hugh? In 2009, this first-ever pop-up retail store opened in Southeastern Michigan, later becoming a permanent location in Midtown. View Hugh’s website for more information about the store and its constantly rotating selection of housewares, personal accessories, gifts, furniture and lighting.
John Varvatos
Shopping cannot always be centered on females. For designer men’s clothing, shoes, accessories and more, John Varvatos is the place. Located on Woodward Avenue, it is open every day of the week.
Nest Housewares
The Nest place you need to check out is Nest Housewares. Since 2011, Nest has been the city’s “go-to boutique” for gifts and provisions for the home. Located on West Canfield, this shop carries high-quality items, and it is right across from the trendy Third Man Records!
Pure Detroit
Pure Detroit on Griswold is known for its Detroit-centric apparel, jewelry, hats, books, home goods, artwork, bags, totes, dog gear and local food items.
Savvy Chic Trends
Riopelle Street’s Savvy Chic Trends prides itself on its ever-changing eclectic mix of hard-to-find clothing, gourmet goods, home accessories and men’s products for both locals and Detroit visitors who are looking for more than just produce at Eastern Market.
Shinola
Handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods and journals, oh my! Within the past few years, Shinola has become the Detroit destination for both the city’s natives and tourists. Located on Canfield, Shinola believes “…there’s not just history in Detroit, there is a future,” and that is why it is here. Visit the Shinola website for more about its impressive factories and highly desired products.
Will Leather Goods
For 35 years, Will Leather Goods has “created products inspired by the past, designed for the present and built for the future.” Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., this family-owned business promises a lifetime guarantee.
Nike Community Store
Having a Nike store in Detroit is surely a bonus. Having a Nike store doing good throughout the community? Double bonus. Aiming to hire at least 80 percent of employees within a five-mile radius and fostering programs to fund youth sports makes this store a great place to shop and support The D all in one.
Been to all of these? No worries! There are many other places to shop in (and near!) Detroit.
Story by Danielle Alexander | Photo by John Varvatos