Pingree Detroit, a worker-owned cooperative specializing in leather goods made from upcycled automotive materials, is set to open its first flagship store on November 11 at 22 W. Columbia St. near the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit. The location will feature handmade shoes, bags, and accessories, along with live shoemaking demonstrations on Fridays. In a statement to WXYZ, founder Jarret Schlaff said the store will allow customers to "really experience the brand, see the craftsmanship up close." David Wilson, an Army veteran and master carpenter who built the store’s interior, stated, "Every person that walks into that door, they'll be seeing my personal project."
ClickOnDetroit reports that Pingree Detroit’s products, produced at its manufacturing center on Livernois Avenue, are priced from $4.99 for shoelaces to $349 for a made-to-order travel tote. The company’s operations have diverted more than 55,000 pounds of leather, vinyl, and seat belts from landfills through its upcycling efforts.
Pingree Detroit, a worker-owned cooperative that produces leather goods from upcycled automotive materials, will open its first flagship store in downtown Detroit. The company’s initiative focuses on employing local Detroit residents and U.S. military veterans. “Nathaniel Crawford II, an Air Force veteran and Pingree Detroit co-owner, exemplifies the company's commitment to veteran employment,” as per WXYZ. Crawford, who has worked with the company for two years, designed and crafted the first Detroit-made sneaker since the 1950s. Founder Jarret Schlaff stated, “We hope this is our first store of many.” The new store adds to the list of retailers expanding in downtown Detroit, including Alo Yoga, Tecovas, Apple Store, Free People, and Timberland, as noted by Detroit Free Press.
