GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Shinola is opening a store in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Detroit brand known best known for its watchmaking is opening in the Peck Building at 40 Monroe Center St. NW near Division Avenue in November. Crews are working on renovating the space so it can open in time for the holidays.

The team is working to get the store ready in under five weeks, a process that normally takes six months.

“This will be record time for us, and we believe for most retailors in the country as well,” Shinola CEO Awenate Cobbina told News 8.

The Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Chamber)
The Peck Building in downtown Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Chamber)

Downtown Grand Rapids had been on the company’s radar for a while. After looking at partnering with Rockford Construction, the company leasing out the location and overseeing the store’s renovation, the opportunity was too good to pass up, Cobbina said.

Along with watches, Shinola also sells items like clocks, bags, jewelry and journals.

“It’s really anything for your gift-giving needs, which is part of the reason we wanted to rush, so that we can open before the holiday,” Cobbina said. “Our brand enthusiasts love giving the gift of Shinola.”

He said he’s heard from friends in the area, “old and new,” who are excited for Shinola coming to downtown.

“Grand Rapids has been growing and growing rapidly, no pun intended, over the last few years,” he said. “But one thing that is still missing from downtown Grand Rapids is a … national retailor of the type of Shinola.”

He said the downtown area “deserves” a shop like Shinola.

Inside a Shinola store. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Chamber)
Inside a Shinola store. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Chamber)

“We are thrilled to welcome Shinola to Grand Rapids. Their brand is a great addition to the vibrancy of our downtown,” Rick Baker, president & CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “Our business district has made a great comeback post-COVID, and we’re excited about the opportunity for Grand Rapids.”

Rich App, the chamber’s retail retention and attraction specialist, said Shinola will add to Grand Rapids’ “culture and quality product offerings.”

The Grand Rapids location will be the 22nd store in the United States for the brand, which began retail operations 10 years ago.

Shinola will also be adding a city clock at the corner of Monroe Center Street and Division Avenue, in partnership with the city and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.