DETROIT — Shinola, known for its handcrafted Detroit-built watches, bicycles, journals, shoe polish, pet accessories, and leather goods, will open its newest retail location in Chicago in November.
The opening of Shinola’s Chicago store in the Wicker Park-Bucktown neighborhood, will mark the Detroit-based brand’s sixth brick-and-mortar location, and will offer its full suite of products as well as many other American-made products. In addition to its flagship stores in Detroit and New York, Shinola recently opened a store in Minneapolis and is slated to open stores in London and Los Angeles this month.
“The reception our Shinola products have enjoyed in Chicago has been nothing short of amazing,” said Steve Bock, CEO of Shinola. “As a Detroit based company dedicated to American craftsmanship and quality this is a very important and exciting next step for us. Opening a store in an area whose history is steeped in manufacturing makes this location that much more exciting.”
Shinola’s connection to Chicago began early in its development when it partnered with the Horween Leather Co., located in Bucktown. Beginning in 1905, Horween is one of the country’s oldest tanneries and Chicago’s last existing tannery. This fifth generation family-owned business has been providing the vegetable-tanned leather for the production of Shinola’s watch straps and leather goods since the company launched in 2011.
True to the Shinola brand, Shinola Chicago will be more than just a retail store, it will also serve as a gathering place in this vibrant and growing community. Shinola is also excited about its proximity to The 606 and the ability to support the bikeable and walkable communities of Chicago.
