Shinola to open store in Grand Rapids next month
Posted By: The Detroit News on October 25, 2023. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
A Detroit-based retail shop known for its watchmaking is expanding to Grand Rapids next month.
Shinola will open its 22nd U.S. retail location on Monroe Center Street NW in downtown Grand Rapids in November after a decade of manufacturing watches.
The new store, which will be in the historic Peck Building, was made possible by a lease agreement between Shinola and Rockford Construction, a real estate development company in the region.
Rockford Construction is overseeing the building’s renovation and buildout with guidance from Shinola’s in-house merchandizing and branding experts. Shinola is also working with the City of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to install a clock at the corner of Monroe Center Street and S Division Avenue.
“We’re interested in creating timeless experiences with Grand Rapids community partners and establishing a strong brand presence that connects Shinola to the Grand Rapids market,” said Awenate Cobbina, Shinola’s CEO. “After exploring the space at 40 Monroe Center and observing the walkability and vibrancy downtown, we knew it made good business sense to make this home for Shinola in downtown Grand Rapids.
“Our team is pulling together a new store and grand opening plan in under five weeks — this is typically a six-month process,” Cobbina said. “We are confident the effort and investment will deliver considerable returns.”
In a news release, Shinola said the store is joining an “already thriving business district, bringing timeless American design to the West Michigan community.”
“Rockford has been investing in downtown Grand Rapids for more than 25 years and to welcome a nationally recognized brand like Shinola further solidifies Rockford’s commitment to downtown,” said Mike Mraz, president of real estate development at Rockford Construction.“We have been building a healthy, active lifestyle city. Adding a well-known and respected brand like Shinola to our growing city will add to its culture and quality product offerings,” said Richard App, retail retention and attraction specialist for the Grand Rapids Chamber.
« Back to Insights