Talk about having an immediate impact.
The first retail site for Shinola, a Midtown manufacturer that had a store ribbon-cutting two days ago, draws healthy crowds, became a stop for a Preservation Detroit neighborhood tour, got Free Press coverage with a video and earned a nine-photo splash at Thrillist Detroit.
Launch weekend activities included a Saturday afternoon DJ and beer samples from Motor City Brewing Works, and continue Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 441 W. Canfield.
"The 5,000-square-foot store, which includes a bicycle assembly shop, gives shoppers a nostalgic feeling," reports business writer Frank Witsil of the Free Press. "The decor includes bunting, baseball and exposed brick walls. It blends old and new, polished and rustic."
At Thrillist, a daily city guide with 21 local versions, Phil Bator writes:
"They've taken over a former Jeep warehouse and redesigned the space to fit their needs, but have left original details."
Here's how the folks behind the manufacturer describe Shinola at its blog:
In addition to our handcrafted watches, leather goods, journals and bicycles, we will also stock collaboratively produced items, as well as carefully curated products we admire.
Inventory will be dynamic, with store themes changing each month. Complete bicycle assembly will also happen on the premises, and a full schedule of community events will be programmed on a weekly basis.
A second store is due to open during July in the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan next month.
The company's active social media presence includes these photos of "the flagship store." Below them is a video showing assembly of Argonite watch movements from Swiss parts.
Saturday was "a busy day," says a post with this photo on Shinola's Facebook page.
The storefront on West Canfield in Midtown Detroit. [Photo by Michael Weck via Intagram]
An image posted by Shinola shows the new store's personnel.
This restored Willys Jeep vehicle parked outside the store pays tribute to the building's former use as a Jeep warehouse.
