John Varvatos

**Detroitdave** · March-09-15, 05:14 PM

The unveiling, John V
it looks really cool inside
total rock star place !
finally Detroit steps it up !

**dtowncitylover** · March-09-15, 06:00 PM

Woah!!! If you showed me that pic without any Detroit reference, I would guess his NYC or other fancy city store. Nice job! Can't say his style is for me, but I can't wait to check it out.

**Jayp213** · March-09-15, 08:11 PM

did they have/are they going to have a grand opening event or party like the stores in New York or Chicago or LA and have with DJs and such to get people aware?? or to set the tone of "we are here Detroit". I feel like this is pretty much a very BIG DEAL considering Detroit hasn't had much of any retail that actually is worth a damn downtown SINCE hudsons was demolished... You would think there would be some type of party or something or at least a "welcome back home" type of function to celebrate the brand and considering the designer is from Michigan... just my 2 cents...looks pretty sweet, nonetheless.

**401don** · March-09-15, 09:15 PM

Not to put a negative spin on this very good retail story, but a while back there was an ongoing problem with glass being broken in many of the storefronts on Woodward. Just wondering if this continues to be a problem or have the cameras and security been enough of a deterrent?

**warsaw7** · March-09-15, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

Not to put a negative spin on this very good retail story, but a while back there was an ongoing problem with glass being broken in many of the storefronts on Woodward. Just wondering if this continues to be a problem or have the cameras and security been enough of a deterrent?

You do realize Dan is watching? By committing any crime in downtown Detroit, you are pretty much asking to get arrested.

**SpartanDawg** · March-09-15, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by warsaw7

You do realize Dan is watching? By committing any crime in downtown Detroit, you are pretty much asking to get arrested.

yep... if a group of teenage white girls from Grosse Pointe got the book thrown at them for graffiti, nobody is getting away with anything downtown. which is HOW IT SHOULD BE

here's another pic. stolen from r/detroit

**DetroiterOnTheWestCoast** · March-09-15, 10:55 PM

I must say, the look of that storefront is absolutely perfect for that building.

**detroitbob** · March-09-15, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by DetroiterOnTheWestCoast

I must say, the look of that storefront is absolutely perfect for that building.

Authentic restoration of the facade save for the original entry, which was at the corner. Great job. This indicates tor me we can expect quality restoration from Bedrock.

**ABetterDetroit** · March-09-15, 11:01 PM

Wow, I just swung by the web site and his stuff is pricey to say the least. If he is still there a year from now there will be 10 more clothing stores on the block with more reasonable prices doing well.

**MSUguy** · March-10-15, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by 401don

Not to put a negative spin on this very good retail story, but a while back there was an ongoing problem with glass being broken in many of the storefronts on Woodward. Just wondering if this continues to be a problem or have the cameras and security been enough of a deterrent?

The only thing could find about this issue was a thread five years ago. Needless to say downtown is a much different place.

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ily-Vandalized

200 bucks for a plain black t shirt? Check out the store's website when you can. Do the demographics suggest this is what the area needs/wants? The storefront does look pretty cool though.

The city has seen quite a few boutique retailers open over the last few years City Bird, Nest, to name a few. So the waters for this type of retail aren't totally untested.

**dtowncitylover** · March-10-15, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by MSUguy

The city has seen quite a few boutique retailers open over the last few years City Bird, Nest, to name a few. So the waters for this type of retail aren't totally untested.

I went into Shinola for the first time ever last week and was amazed how out of place I felt. It could've been the couture shop at Neiman Marcus and I still felt the sales people [[most kitchy hipster types) knew I was out of their market demographic.

The saddest thing was that there were snow removal guys outside and they wanted some coffee and apparently asked for a "double double" but neither the sales guy nor the barista in the in-house coffee shop knew what that was. This is Michigan, probably the state with the most Tim Hortons and half of our population seems to have Canadian relative, and you don't know what a double double is?! Man, it seemed so snooty.

**sumas** · March-10-15, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by dtowncitylover

I went into Shinola for the first time ever last week and was amazed how out of place I felt. It could've been the couture shop at Neiman Marcus and I still felt the sales people [[most kitchy hipster types) knew I was out of their market demographic.

The saddest thing was that there were snow removal guys outside and they wanted some coffee and apparently asked for a "double double" but neither the sales guy nor the barista in the in-house coffee shop knew what that was. This is Michigan, probably the state with the most Tim Hortons and half of our population seems to have Canadian relative, and you don't know what a double double is?! Man, it seemed so snooty.

I had to laugh. We are so out of the demograhics look I would hate to walk in. Sad for them, I could pay cash for what I want. We just do not look the part anymore. Think I'll stick with my dollar tree and Aldis. Everyone knows double double unless too upscale.

**Detroitdave** · March-10-15, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by dtowncitylover

I went into Shinola for the first time ever last week and was amazed how out of place I felt. It could've been the couture shop at Neiman Marcus and I still felt the sales people [[most kitchy hipster types) knew I was out of their market demographic.

The saddest thing was that there were snow removal guys outside and they wanted some coffee and apparently asked for a "double double" but neither the sales guy nor the barista in the in-house coffee shop knew what that was. This is Michigan, probably the state with the most Tim Hortons and half of our population seems to have Canadian relative, and you don't know what a double double is?! Man, it seemed so snooty.

I'm from LA and a "double double" is a burger from in and out LOL

**ronaldj** · March-10-15, 02:06 AM

I kind of like Don Imus but do not listen to him now because he is on Sirius and I do not buy subscription radio. However, a regular participant in his shenanigans is Joseph Abboud, another American menswear designer,of Lebanese descent, I believe. Pricey stuff now marketted through Men's Wearhouse. Son bought me a dress shirt. Just purchased a merino wool sweater on-line. Will be going into the Grosse Pointe Farms store to window shop and drool over the over-the-counter and custom fit goods.

Will advise on the experience. If the person who chatted me up on the phone is an indicator, it should be a reasonably nice time.

**TTime** · March-10-15, 05:36 AM

200 bucks for a plain black t shirt? Check out the store's website when you can. Do the demographics suggest this is what the area needs/wants? The storefront does look pretty cool though.

**mikeg19** · March-10-15, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by TTime

200 bucks for a plain black t shirt? Check out the store's website when you can. Do the demographics suggest this is what the area needs/wants? The storefront does look pretty cool though.

This is the same thought I had when the announcement was made for the store. There is obviously a crowd of affluent people working/living downtown that can afford and want to buy these cothes. But then I think of the demographic of people who are moving downtown in the past few years: young and educated. Yes, also "hipsters" or "yuppies" as some like to say on here as well. But the common denominator with millenials is going against stores like this: Frugality. I'm very curious to see how the store does.

And yes, I think it looks damn fantastic. A truely nice job by Bedrock on this.

**warsaw7** · March-10-15, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by mikeg19

This is the same thought I had when the announcement was made for the store. There is obviously a crowd of affluent people working/living downtown that can afford and want to buy these cothes. But then I think of the demographic of people who are moving downtown in the past few years: young and educated. Yes, also "hipsters" or "yuppies" as some like to say on here as well. But the common denominator with millenials is going against stores like this: Frugality. I'm very curious to see how the store does.

And yes, I think it looks damn fantastic. A truely nice job by Bedrock on this.

I definitely have the same thought process as well, but then I thought to myself if Shinola and Willys can thrive, then why can't Varvatos? Especially with his location. Although I much would have rather seen a Levi or a Carhartt WIP, but after walking by last night I definitely feel his storefront has a good look and feel.

**canuck** · March-10-15, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by warsaw7

I definitely have the same thought process as well, but then I thought to myself if Shinola and Willys can thrive, then why can't Varvatos? Especially with his location. Although I much would have rather seen a Levi or a Carhartt WIP, but after walking by last night I definitely feel his storefront has a good look and feel.

It would be great to se an innovative Carhartt flagship store on Woodward in anyone of the nice old buildings there. I think that their involvement with the Jazzfest might stir up some business if their store were positioned near an outdoor stage. In any case, tis nice to see a homeboy contribute to the rejuvenation of a great city.

And yes, the Varvatos storefront is superb.

**Detroitdave** · March-10-15, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by canuck

It would be great to se an innovative Carhartt flagship store on Woodward in anyone of the nice old buildings there. I think that their involvement with the Jazzfest might stir up some business if their store were positioned near an outdoor stage. In any case, tis nice to see a homeboy contribute to the rejuvenation of a great city.

And yes, the Varvatos storefront is superb.

Carhartt is opening a store in midtown

**belleislerunner** · March-10-15, 08:07 AM

Downtown Detroit has nothing in common with Woodward/McNichols. You do realize 48226 [[Downtown Detroit's zip) is now in the richest ten zip codes in the ENTIRE state. Couple that with everyone walking by going to Tiger/Lion/Wings games, tourists from all the hotels [[i.e. revolving doors of money) and the place will be fine.

Gone are the days thinking downtown can't support anything more than Dollar Tree, Aldi and Dollar General. That's Woodward/McNichols.

**313WX** · March-10-15, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

You do realize 48226 [[Downtown Detroit's zip) is now in the richest ten zip codes in the ENTIRE state.

Citation please?

**ParisianLesion** · March-11-15, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

Downtown Detroit has nothing in common with Woodward/McNichols. You do realize 48226 [[Downtown Detroit's zip) is now in the richest ten zip codes in the ENTIRE state. Couple that with everyone walking by going to Tiger/Lion/Wings games, tourists from all the hotels [[i.e. revolving doors of money) and the place will be fine.

Gone are the days thinking downtown can't support anything more than Dollar Tree, Aldi and Dollar General. That's Woodward/McNichols.

Unfortunately, this is not even close to being accurate. Check out the following links:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/loc...a-world-apart/

http://localistica.com/usa/mi/zipcod...come-zipcodes/

There is some 2013 raw adjusted gross income data that the Freep published in April which puts the AGI for 48226 at over $95k - which still wouldn't put in the top ten - however, this is almost certainly skewed by very high income outliers, as noted in the article:

http://www.freep.com/article/2014041...me-IRS-richest

**Detroitdave** · March-10-15, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by mikeg19

This is the same thought I had when the announcement was made for the store. There is obviously a crowd of affluent people working/living downtown that can afford and want to buy these cothes. But then I think of the demographic of people who are moving downtown in the past few years: young and educated. Yes, also "hipsters" or "yuppies" as some like to say on here as well. But the common denominator with millenials is going against stores like this: Frugality. I'm very curious to see how the store does.

And yes, I think it looks damn fantastic. A truely nice job by Bedrock on this.

I agree, They did a great job with this building , it fits well with Wright & Co just up stairs.
I'm thinking with the crowd that frequents Wright & Co , they can clearly afford John V.

Although his stuff is pricey, people said the same thing about Shinola, Willys, Whole Food, Ect.
There is clearly pent up demand for the new folks moving in the city and the city has to answer and this is a good start.

With the "new" David Whitney/Aloft right across the street and the book caddy around the corner, it would be great to have places for these "visitors" to shop. like in chicago, NY or LA.

I'm a single guy with a disposable income, so I might go a buy a piece or two , but nothing too expensive , just to show my support, I couldn't or wouldn't want to shop there every week, but It's good to have around to shop others potential shops that, if this works we could definitely "dip our toes in the downtown market"

**canuck** · March-10-15, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by TTime

200 bucks for a plain black t shirt? Check out the store's website when you can. Do the demographics suggest this is what the area needs/wants? The storefront does look pretty cool though.

This reminds me of the time twenty years ago when I walked into Barney's New York. I looked at my wife and said Wow! Look at this; "Barney's; the home of the 105 dollar t-shirt." The t-shirt was a plain white one without the benefit of a Death's head or such. A thin, shoulderless and effeminate salesman turned to tell us that; "Well at least it doesn't roll up in a ball like a five dollar t-shirt.

It is a favorite laff of ours when we think back on our New York trip.

**ronaldj** · March-10-15, 09:52 PM

My Dear Canuck:
Carhartt is opening in the old Dalgleish Cadillac dealership on Cass Avenue south of I-94. Who would have thought after all these years. A hundred years in business and they just wake up to a flagship store in Detroit. No wonder they did not hire me 15 years ago. I used to park in the area and walk to class.

Ms. Gretchen Valade, a scion of the family, bailed out and continues to support the Detroit Jazz Festival [[nee Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festival, owns Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe in Grosse Pointe Farms and a well respected record company whose name escapes me at the moment, stupid ass me). So it is more than pleasant to see Carhartt provide their presence in Detroit'

Do not want to forget that they are in Eastern Market with a "trade" school of sorts. They are on the go and on the mark.