Luxury Shopping in Downtown Detroit: A Unique Blend of Big Brands and Local Boutiques.
February 16, 2024Luxury Shopping in Downtown Detroit
Detroit’s downtown shopping scene is a unique blend of big-brand stores and local boutiques. From women’s clothing and accessories to apothecary goods and wine, the city has something for every shopper.
Woodward Avenue is home to a mixture of big-name stores, including Nike Community Store, Under Armour Brand House and Moosejaw. But you’ll also find local favorites, like Detroit is the New Black for stylish elevated streetwear and Shinola for upscale watches.
Varvatos
Located in one of Bedrock Real Estate Services’ 70 properties that comprise 10 million square feet of downtown Detroit office, retail and residential space, Varvatos is the first Midwest boutique for menswear designer John Varvatos. With jackets and jeans costing more than $300, a pair of leather boots that go for nearly $2,500 and T-shirts that start at $50, the 4,600-square-foot retailer is one of downtown Detroit’s most expensive clothing stores.
It took a little persuading to get Varvatos, an Allen Park native, to plant his signature brand in the Motor City. But after a winter 2014 walk through Bedrock’s properties and meeting people who had moved back to Detroit, Varvatos said he was sold on the city. He isn’t the only one. The grand opening of his flagship store drew hundreds, including Detroit Tigers Justin Verlander and Eric Ebron; business titans Dan Gilbert (Quicken Loans Inc. and Rock Ventures); and rock legend Alice Cooper.
Shinola
Shinola has become a major luxury brand known for their well-designed, meticulously crafted timepieces. In addition to watches, they also make leather goods and other lifestyle products, such as bicycles and journals.
The company’s philosophy is rooted in their Detroit roots, and they strive to be relevant to their customers. Their products are designed to last, and they are built for the future. They work with local artists and designers to create unique and limited edition products.
Shinola’s watches are a popular choice for many people, including former President Bill Clinton, who owns several of them. He has praised the company for its commitment to revitalize Detroit and bring jobs back to the US. The watches are also affordable, despite their high price tags.
SHE
Whether you’re looking for a sleek suit or the perfect piece to complement your favorite jeans, Somerset Collection is one of the best luxury shopping destinations in Detroit. The massive complex houses 150 stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s.
The Detroit area is gaining international recognition as a fashion epicenter, with local designers like Johnny Was and Fabrik opening local outposts and major retailers like Bottega Veneta choosing Detroit for its Salon 03 store. Most recently, Gucci became the first international luxury brand to put down roots in Detroit with its 325-foot store on Library Street.
Stroll along Woodward Avenue in Midtown to find local boutiques, like Detroit Denim Company and Luxe Redux Bridal, or head into the Greektown neighborhood for big-name brands like Jack White’s Third Man Records and knick knacks at City Bird. Other neighborhoods in Wayne County, like upscale Rochester (Wanderlust for on-trend fashion; Teacups & Toys for pet boutiques) and Royal Oak (Nest Housewares for unique home finds) offer dynamite small-shop shopping.
Somerset Collection
The Somerset Collection in Troy consists of two separate malls: Somerset North and Somerset South. They feature upscale stores and a plethora of dining options. Special events are hosted throughout the year. Some are sponsored by the mall, while others are sponsored by individual stores or vendors.
If you are looking for a high-end shopping destination in Detroit, look no further than the Somerset Collection. It offers a variety of luxury brands, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The center also houses a Shinola store that sells curated collections of products like the Runwell timepiece and Cass Hobo leather bag.
In addition to these major luxury retailers, the city has several smaller boutiques that are perfect for a quick visit. These include a few located in historic Rochester (Wanderlust for on-trend fashion and accessories; Teacups & Toys for unique home items), upscale Birmingham (Lark & Co for clothing and furnishings) or laidback Royal Oak (POSH by Village Palm for apparel and jewelry). The Somerset Collection Studio opened in the Metropolitan building this winter, reintroducing global retail brands to Downtown Detroit.
Le Boutique Upscale Resale
Located in a small green shop in the heart of downtown Franklin Village, this boutique has an amazing selection of high-quality, upscale resale clothing. Its tiny size and quaint atmosphere make it a perfect place to find a new dress or purse. Prices are surprisingly affordable, but be prepared to dig – this is definitely not your typical consignment shop.
The owners of this upscale resale are new, but they hope to keep the same quality that has made this shop famous in Michigan. Hilary Zabawski and her fiance, Joe Morphew, will run the business. They both have backgrounds in fashion and are long-time Livingston County residents. The store is known for its upscale bargains in a boutique setting and is a destination for the Livingston County Visitors Bureau and many charter bus tours.