DBusiness Daily Update: Downtown Detroit Welcomes McMullen Boutique, and More

McMullen has opened a six-month pop-up shop in downtown Detroit. // Courtesy of Bedrock
McMullen has opened a six-month pop-up shop in downtown Detroit. // Courtesy of Bedrock

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.

Downtown Detroit Welcomes Renowned McMullen Boutique

McMullen, an all-inclusive specialty retailer for luxury fashion, accessories and home décor, in partnership with Detroit real estate developer Bedrock, has opened a six-month pop-up shop in downtown Detroit.

The grand opening took place Sept. 16 at 1419 Woodward Ave. along the Woodward retail corridor.

Founded by Sherri McMullen in 2007, the eponymous retailer features a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and home décor with emerging and established designers from around the globe. The McMullen brand ’s commitment to female empowerment and support of African and African American designers will be showcased at the downtown Detroit boutique.

“McMullen is excited to open a pop up in Detroit, a city much like Oakland, with a rich history and culture, and generally underrepresented in the fashion industry,” says McMullen.

“We look forward to tapping into the city’s arts, entertainment and food scene, and engaging in meaningful conversations with the Detroit community both through our unique assortment of up-and-coming designers and also through facilitating connections and knowledge sharing.”

McMullen will open across from the Shinola Hotel and joins GUCCI, Bonobos, Warby Parker, Lululemon, Nike and H&M, in addition to Detroit favorites such as Good Neighbor, The Lip Bar, Greyson Clothiers and House of Pure Vin.

“Sherri McMullen is a fashion pioneer, and we can’t wait to welcome this forward-thinking, Women-owned concept to downtown Detroit,” says Ivy Greaner, COO of Bedrock. “This is such a pivotal time for retail in Detroit and McMullen not only brings a fresh designer offering, but they are also paving the way for up-and-coming brands to break through in the market.”

McMullen is excited to partner with organizations in Detroit that focus on women, Children, and arts and is currently working to solidify those partnerships.

The Detroit shop will carry goods from designers such as Christopher John Rogers, Proenza Schouler, Rachel Comey, Peter Do, Aisling Camps, and Mara Hoffman.

In November, McMullen will be launching its 15-year anniversary collection, which will feature exclusive pieces ranging from jewelry and beauty to apparel by 15 of our coveted designers.

McMullen also is the exclusive US retailer of Nigeria-based brand, Lisa Folawiyo. Store hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.

For additional information, visit shopMcMullen.com.

Bloomfield Hills Firm Brokers Largest Per-unit Multifamily Property Sale in Oakland County

Income Property Organization (IPO), a Bloomfield Hills-based regional apartment brokerage, announced the sale of a property for $388,000 per unit, representing the highest amount paid on record in Oakland County.

The Harrison, located in Royal Oak on Morse Avenue, was sold to Chicago-based VennPoint Real Estate with the assistance of IPO’s Kevin Jahnke and Greg Coulter. The total transaction was valued at $29.1 million.

The Harrison includes 75 Class A community units of one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhome and loft style units. It was constructed in 2016 by Bob Wolfson on a former lumber yard. In addition to the top-end construction materials used, other luxurious features include a pool, rooftop patio, hot tubs, gym, private garages, and concierge service.

“As a business located in Oakland County, we’re excited to take part in this historic transaction right in our backyard,” says Coulter, founder of IPO.

Little Caesars Recognizes National Pepperoni Pizza Day with First Galleroni

Little Caesars is rolling out the red carpet in honor of its new Old World Fanceroni Pepperoni Pizza and National Pepperoni Pizza Day.

For tomorrow only, Little Caesars is offering several high-end pieces for sale through its own Galleroni at the special price of $9.99 — the same price as its newest pizza.

“We’re happy to give Little Caesars fans the chance to snag some limited-edition pizza swag for only $9.99,” says Greg Hamilton, senior vice president of marketing for Little Caesars. “Just like our newest pizza, this National Pepperoni Pizza Day promotion gives customers the opportunity to get some upscale goods at really incredible prices.”

Expect the Galleroni to come to life as a grid takeover on the main Little Caesars Instagram page, available via shoppable posts, giving the pizza chain’s followers the chance to snag exclusive items on a first-come, first-served basis. These items are limited and will drop throughout the day.

The fancy pieces include pizza paintings inspired by well-known artwork, including a one-of-a-kind framed oil painting of a slice of Little Caesars pizza from artist Noah Verrier, pizza inspired furniture, a bedazzled purseroni, and more. Fans will not want to miss the chance to get their hands on these usually pricey items, each costing just $9.99.

Additional Galleroni items include an ornate candelabra with pepperoni scented candles, a cupped ‘roni chair, and a beverage chest. The promotion is offered in conjunction with the Old World Fanceroni Pepperoni pizza, a limited-time offering featuring more than 100 slices of old world pepperoni that have a rich, smoky flavor and crisp up when they cook.

For more information, visit LittleCaesars.com.

Southfield-Lathrup Optimists, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs Join Forces to Celebrate Community

Community service will take center stage on Sept. 24 as the Cosmopolitan Detroit Kiwanis Club, Lathrup Village Lions Club, and the Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village join together for Celebrate Community 2022 9-11:30 a.m. to provide volunteer service to World Medical Relief, 21725 Melrose Ave in Southfield.

Since 1953, World Medical Relief’s mission has been to facilitate the distribution of surplus medical resources where they are most needed around the world. Goods are distributed in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, gender, religion, nationality, or political beliefs in an ongoing effort to relieve human suffering, demonstrate respect for all people, collaborate with the community organizations collectively to provide services to those in need and to maintain a proactive approach to improving services provided.

The collective group is seeking additional volunteers to assist in packaging medical and other supplies to assist those locally and around the world. To participate, RSVP by Sept. 21 to slvoptimist@gmail.com or call 248-506-5118.

Leadership from the service organizations Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International have encouraged their clubs and youth programs around the world to work together on projects during one week as part of a joint initiative dubbed Celebrate Community – #CelebrateCommunity.  Issues related to health and wellness, food insecurity and hunger, education and literacy, and the environment will be addressed through community cleanups, food donations and distributions, walks or runs to raise money for specific causes and book collections for children.

Dustin Nickerson to Headline the Furniture Bank’s Comedy Night Oct. 13

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle will host the Furniture Bank’s Comedy Night, featuring the live stand-up of Dustin Nickerson, from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13.

The show also will include a full buffet dinner, 50/50 raffle, and live auction.

Nickerson is touring the United States and was recently featured by Kevin Hart on Comedy Central’s “Hart of the City.” He has also been seen on “Laughs” on Fox, the “PBS Comedy Hour,” on Hulu, and regularly can be heard on Sirius Radio XM, “Rooftop Comedy,” and the “Darren Streblow Show.” He’s also the host of “Don’t Make Me Come Back There,” a podcast about family.

“This fundraiser is critical to our mission of providing support to metro Detroit kids and families who’ve been through floods, evictions or other critical life challenges,” says Rob Boyle, executive director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “Our referrals are up 30 percent this year and, coupled with the rising costs of inflation and fuel, it’s becoming more costly to provide people with the help they need. Our goal is to make sure they have beds to sleep in, tables to eat on and other basic comforts so they can better rebuild their lives.”

To purchase tickets, which are $75, visit here.

Creative Washtenaw and Michigan Arts and Cultural Grants Announced

Creative Washtenaw announces the awardees for three grant programs: Arts and Cultural Projects, Professional and Organizational Development (POD), and MI K-12 Schools Arts Equipment grants for the six counties in Region 9: Hillsdale, Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee, Monroe, and Washtenaw.

Creative Washtenaw administers these grant programs on behalf of the Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC). The mini-grant applications are reviewed by a panel of artists, residents, and organizational leaders from the region using criteria set by MACC.

“The public funds invested in Michigan’s arts and creative industries by MACC and through it, the National Endowment for the Arts, multiple throughout the state, reaching communities, residents and visitors.” says Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw. “Education, tourism, health care, work force, the economy as well as quality of life and place are enhanced by Michigan’s creative assets.”

A full list of the awards are available here.

Washtenaw County will benefit from $959,418 in grants going to 38 arts and cultural organizations for operational support, capital improvements, special projects and arts in education programs. Washtenaw County ranked third in the state’s funding allocations following Wayne and Kent counties.

Creative Washtenaw received a total of $$89,750 of which $48,000 is for the FY24 Region 9 regranting program and the balance of $37,750 supports its operations and regranting administration.

Creative Washtenaw opens its Round 2 FY23 mini-grant cycle in October with $17,400 available for Arts + Cultural Projects and $5,500 for Michigan K-12 School Arts Equipment or Culture Trek (Bus) grants opportunities. The deadline for Round 2 is January 15, 2023. Find out more about Round 2 here.

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