DETROIT — Nathan Forbes, managing partner of The Forbes Co. announced Tuesday the seasonal, one-weekend-a-month Somerset Collection CityLoft, is returning June 28 – 30, July 26 – 28 and August 16 – 18.
CityLoft’s opening, in a new location at 1261 Woodward Ave. between Grand River and State, will be the centerpiece of a revived Downtown Detroit Days.
In addition to the three dozen Somerset Collection merchants participating at CityLoft, up to 40 retailers and artisans from throughout metro Detroit will operate mini-versions of their stores at the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace atop the Premier Parking Garage on Woodward Avenue across from CityLoft.
Further, during each CityLoft/Downtown Detroit Days event, works by Detroit-area artists as well as Detroit retail memorabilia will be on display in Woodward Avenue storefront windows, live entertainment and modeling will be held at CityLoft and the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace, and “secret shoppers” will pass out gift certificates to Detroit restaurants.
Opening this summer’s final CityLoft/Downtown Detroit Days will be a pre-Woodward Dream Cruise celebration and classic car parade on Thursday, August 16. The parade will travel from Cobo Center to the 1200 block of Woodward, culminating in a sock hop complete with live entertainment and dance contests.
Forbes explained that the success of last year’s CityLoft inspired its return.
“CityLoft was successful on so many levels … our retail partners met new customers and showcased new merchandise, nearby retailers and restaurants saw an increase in their business, and the enthusiasm from our guests about downtown shopping demonstrated that innovative retail concepts can find a home downtown.”
Information about center or store-specific events, and store hours can be found at www.thesomersetcollection.com.