Detroit-Made Retail Brands Known Around the World

The Lip Bar

Founded and owned by a Black woman, Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar is a prime example of the global significance of Detroit-based brands.

After appearing on Shark Tank and leaving without any investors, The Lip Bar eventually grew into a huge success on its own terms. The company’s beauty products emphasize non-toxic, vegan ingredients, with tones designed for all skin colors.

Today, The Lip Bar’s products can be found at Target and Walmart stores across the country, and it touts being the largest Black-owned makeup brand sold in Target stores.

The flagship store, located in Downtown Detroit’s Parker’s Alley at 1435 Farmer St., Suite 122, warrants a trip to the city on its own!

The Lip Bar, @kris.in.transit

Carhartt

Founded in Detroit in 1899, Carhartt has a long legacy in the city that continues today.

Although Carhartt was originally focused exclusively on workwear, the company has found its way into popular culture as a well known fashion brand. The brand has clothing and accessories for adults, kids, and even pets. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit or some well-made workwear, Carhartt is a top-tier and trustworthy brand worn around the world.

Today, the company’s headquarters is located in Dearborn, Michigan. Carhartt’s flagship retail store, adorned with a beautiful mural overlooking I-94, is located in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood at 5800 Cass Ave.

Carhartt, @thegirlryanmarie

Shinola

This Detroit-based design brand was founded in 2011 with the goal of tapping into Detroit’s manufacturing history by producing high-end watches in the city. The company opened its own manufacturing headquarters in the College for Creative Studies.

The Shinola watch soon made a name for itself and grew rapidly in popularity, and the company eventually expanded its inventory to include apparel, jewelry, leather goods, and even bicycles. In 2019, Shinola expanded further to open a boutique hotel in Downtown Detroit.

Shinola’s flagship brick-and-mortar retail store is located in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood at 441 W. Canfield St., although the company has retail stores across the country. Stop by today to get your own Shinola gear!

Detroit vs. Everybody

This Black-owned Detroit-based clothing company, according to its website, “embodies the pride and unapologetic spirit of our beloved Detroit.” Owner Tommey Walker, Jr founded the company to reclaim the narrative of Detroit and unite its people.

The company offers t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more accessories, all with the bolded phrase “Detroit vs. Everybody.” The brand has even grown outside of the city of Detroit to represent cities across the country. From New York vs. Everybody to Los Angeles vs. Everybody, vision of Detroit vs. Everybody has tapped into a spirit and a narrative that cities all over have sought to emulate.

Although currently closed for renovations, the flagship store is located in Detroit’s Eastern Market at 2501 Russell St.

Floyd

Floyd is a Detroit-based and nationally-known furniture design brand. With strong values around durability, ease in assembly, and sustainability, Floyd stands out as a modern lifestyle furniture company.

The company has grown into offering a wide range of furniture pieces: sofa, coffee tables, bed frames, dressers, desks, and more. Floyd’s furniture has a sleek, modern design, and all of their furnishings are built to last and designed to be easily transportable.

You can visit Floyd’s headquarters today in Eastern Market at 1948 Division Street. Keep an eye out for their “Shed Sales,” where they sell imperfect items at deeply discounted rates! Or, if you find yourself on the west coast, you can visit Floyd’s new LA-based showroom.