TechTown Detroit, where startups and local businesses launch and grow, has shifted the format for The SHOP, a local shopping pop-up to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SHOP: Virtual Edition invites customers to shop local entrepreneurs businesses from the comfort, and safety, of your couch!
Originally launched in 2015, The Shop has featured a sampling of goods in TechTown’s Retail Boot Camp and SWOT City entrepreneurship programs, as well as other independent local retailers to showcase some of the best small businesses to shop in Detroit.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to alumni, our various programs that TechTown offered in the past, what’s really exciting is that it’s a mix of businesses that are operating in storefronts, and also those that have remained mobile and virtually all throughout their tenure as a business owner” says Sarah Donnelly, TechTown Detroit’s Director of Retail Services, “I think that’s testament to show that virtual selling is applicable to a variety of businesses as far as industries stages and customers because this is not virtual selling is not going to go away.”
This summer, The SHOP: Virtual Edition, supported by JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo will kick off July 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to RSVP for the event via TechTown’s Facebook Page to save the date and watch the event live. The best perk: you don’t have to sort through racks and wear a mask! You can shop from the comfort and safety of your own home!
Standing by its mission to support neighborhood small businesses and the local economy, TechTown will continue to support these businesses through the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, even if the shopping experience may look a bit different, you can still continue to support local.
“Shop local is more important now than ever, for supporting small businesses and consumers wanting to stay close to home, the value of being able to get goods and services spatially has taken on a new value” says Donnelly, “The through line continues to be access to a larger audience, have ability to network with each other to gain exposure.”
Check out the following participating retailers in the first Virtual Edition of The Shop @ TechTown Detroit:
THE VIVID GLAM BEAUTY
Located in Southfield (24123 Greenfield Suite 208, Southfield, MI 48075) The Vivid Glam Beauty offers makeup artistry services, their signature Sip & Make-up makeup classes, and their premium mink lashes, while taking pride making the women feel beautiful, confident and never afraid to express themselves with makeup.
FLAMINGO VINTAGE
Flamingo Vintage, which recently opened a new location in Detroit, Michigan (5449 W. Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209) offers all types of vintage inventory from purses, hats, wallets, jewelry, dresses, separates and men’s wear.
LOVE TRAVELS IMPORTS
Love Travels Imports, which takes pride in promising that every good sold there began a journey far away and traveled great distances to the hands of a customer, is located in the heart of Detroit (19452 Livernois Detroit, MI 48221). The shop sells artisan goods that journey from across the world from South Africa, Guatemala, Peru, and Haiti, to the beloved Detroit, Michigan.
SWEET POTATO DELIGHTS
Located in Oak Park (15300 8 Mile Service Rd, Oak Park, MI) Sweet Potato Delights has a mission of supplying customers with a menu that is tasty, authentic, and responsible; a healthy alternative to the traditional morning donuts, made from the best ingredients sourced from local farms.
MATURE LOOK
Mature Look offers a balanced wardrobe for the elevated lifestyle of Detroiters. The shop offers a unique collection of products from hand-selected brands that embrace individuality, authenticity and timeless attire. The shop’s model is simple – positivity, style, and attractive character and can be found in Downtown Detroit (3011 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202.)
To learn more about The Shop: Virtual Edition and learn more information on how to participate, visit the TechTown website or email programs@techtowndetroit.org.
