Oh, Shop It: Cass Collective Detroit

Another collective opened this year, Cass Collective is the newest shopping and art destination to Midtown in Detroit! Located at 4161 Cass Ave., the shops right now are B'Juelz, Bleu Bowtique, Dolly Rockers, Kill the Hate, Mie Radici, Not Sorry Apparel and SLAW.

Photo from Cass Collective Detroit Facebook

Cass Collective provides a creative space for small, local businesses. They're able to come together in one collaborative, retail setting in Cass Corridor so they can sell quality and unique goods at affordable prices. This was made possible by nonprofits Midtown Detroit, Inc. and Tech Town.

Aside from retail space, Cass Collective also offers an "off campus," and out of work and the office meeting experience. There is also a small kitchenette and high speed Internet available!

Cass Collective is open Thursday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, you can visit their Facebook page.

Oh, Shop It: North End Collective

Just opened this year, the North End Collective is a retail space organized into four units featuring different stores to shop at. Located at 6513 Woodward Ave., the shops for 2017 are Bath Savvy Naturals, Purple Love, United Front and The Traveling Pants Co.!

Photo from North End Collective Facebook

The mission of the collective is to build unity and collaboration through retail sales and by creating entrepreneurial opportunities in the North End of neighborhood of Detroit. They hope to offer an accelerator experience for startups and small business owners, to not only help them gain experience, but to also sell quality products to the community.

The collective consists of over 2,000 square feet of retail space spread out into four units. Each unit is professionally designed, fully furnished and fully functioning, with below market rent. Each store owner is given keys to the space and are allowed 1-2 associates to work under their business model.

The North End Collective wouldn't be made possible without the help of The Kresge Foundation, PNC Foundation, Invest Detroit, IFF, Capital Impact Partners Midtown Inc., Rok Construction, David Cowan Consulting and Cog Studio.

For more information and to see events North End Collective is putting on, check out their Facebook page.

By Alex Donlin

Oh, Shop It: Trendy Eyewear Retailer to Open Store in Downtown Detroit

Image from Warby Parker

Warby Parker, a trendy eyewear retailer, is opening a shop in Downtown Detroit between the Woodhouse Day Spa and Kit + Ace.

Started in 2010, the New York City-based company designs and sells eyeglasses and sunglasses for men and women priced between $95 and $145, with the prescription included. The company began as an online-only retailer and has since opened more than 30 stores due to growing popularity.

"We're excited to add Warby Parker to our growing retail portfolio in Downtown Detroit. This brand entering the Detroit market is a significant sign of Woodward Avenue's continued momentum as a major shopping destination," Dan Mullen, executive vice president of Detroit real estate firm Bedrock, said in a Detroit Free Press article.

Keep an eye out for the store opening to grab yourself  a pair of stylish spectacles!