Pingree Detroit to Open First Flagship Store in Downtown Detroit, Bringing Worker-Owned Business Model and Military Veteran Support to the Community.
A decade after its inception, Pingree Detroit, a local footwear business, is set to open its first flagship store at 22 W. Columbia St. in downtown Detroit, just around the corner from the Fox Theater and within "The District Detroit" development surrounding Little Caesars Arena. The company, which is cooperatively owned by its workers, will officially open its doors on Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) at 11 a.m.
Pingree Detroit has built a reputation for creating unique footwear and accessories from upcycled auto materials, with the goal of reducing waste in landfills. Since its founding in 2015, the company has diverted over 55,000 pounds of leather, vinyl, and seat belts from landfills to create handcrafted products. This commitment to sustainability is just one aspect of the business model that sets Pingree Detroit apart.
The company's worker-owned model not only fosters a sense of community but also provides economic stability for its employees. "Worker-ownership isn’t just a feel-good idea, it is an economic survival strategy," said co-founder and CEO Jarret Schlaff. "When people have real ownership, they stay, they persevere, and they build. That’s how we’ve thrived for the last 10 years, and how we’ll grow for the next 100."
In addition to its commitment to sustainability and worker-owned model, Pingree Detroit has a strong focus on supporting U.S. military veterans. The company makes shoes and bags out of upcycled auto materials, with a portion of its profits being shared or reinvested locally.
The flagship store will not only serve as a retail space but also as a showroom and workshop where customers can watch Pingree Detroit workers create products and even meet the makers on "Footwear Fridays." Furthermore, the company is set to host a pop-up event inside Little Caesars Arena on November 10th in celebration of the Red Wings' 100th season.
By opening its first flagship store in downtown Detroit, Pingree Detroit aims to reconnect people with the hands and hearts behind what they buy. Every purchase supports Veterans and Detroiters who are building opportunity and impact right here in their own neighborhoods.
A decade after its inception, Pingree Detroit, a local footwear business, is set to open its first flagship store at 22 W. Columbia St. in downtown Detroit, just around the corner from the Fox Theater and within "The District Detroit" development surrounding Little Caesars Arena. The company, which is cooperatively owned by its workers, will officially open its doors on Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) at 11 a.m.
Pingree Detroit has built a reputation for creating unique footwear and accessories from upcycled auto materials, with the goal of reducing waste in landfills. Since its founding in 2015, the company has diverted over 55,000 pounds of leather, vinyl, and seat belts from landfills to create handcrafted products. This commitment to sustainability is just one aspect of the business model that sets Pingree Detroit apart.
The company's worker-owned model not only fosters a sense of community but also provides economic stability for its employees. "Worker-ownership isn’t just a feel-good idea, it is an economic survival strategy," said co-founder and CEO Jarret Schlaff. "When people have real ownership, they stay, they persevere, and they build. That’s how we’ve thrived for the last 10 years, and how we’ll grow for the next 100."
In addition to its commitment to sustainability and worker-owned model, Pingree Detroit has a strong focus on supporting U.S. military veterans. The company makes shoes and bags out of upcycled auto materials, with a portion of its profits being shared or reinvested locally.
The flagship store will not only serve as a retail space but also as a showroom and workshop where customers can watch Pingree Detroit workers create products and even meet the makers on "Footwear Fridays." Furthermore, the company is set to host a pop-up event inside Little Caesars Arena on November 10th in celebration of the Red Wings' 100th season.
By opening its first flagship store in downtown Detroit, Pingree Detroit aims to reconnect people with the hands and hearts behind what they buy. Every purchase supports Veterans and Detroiters who are building opportunity and impact right here in their own neighborhoods.