Fresh Reports of Possible Apple Store Opening in Downtown Detroit

This article discusses the potential arrival of an Apple Store in downtown Detroit, analyzing the impact and implications for the local retail and business environment.

Summer is approaching Detroit, and with it, renewed speculations regarding an Apple Store making its way to downtown Detroit. Over the past decade, rumors have surfaced intermittently about Apple setting up one of its iconic stores within a Dan Gilbert building.

Initially kindled by Gilbert himself after moving his mortgage company to Detroit, potential plans for an Apple Store were teased in 2015, hinting at a likelihood within five years. However, subsequent confirmations never materialized, leading each wave of Apple Store buzz to fade away.

This time, the buzz appears to be backing up with substance. Recent reports indicate that covered storefronts on Woodward Avenue, between 1426 and 1434, are undergoing preparations to transform into an Apple Store. Workers at the site have hinted at this transformation, signaling a fresh possibility.

While official statements from Gilbert's real estate firm Bedrock or Apple are awaited, the surrounding chatter suggests a palpable shift in the anticipation of an actual Apple Store landing in downtown Detroit.

Exploring the Potential Impact

Past discussions have hinted at Woodward Avenue as a potential Apple Store site. Reports from Crain's Detroit in May 2023 underscored Bedrock's active pursuit of securing an Apple Store within the vicinity, particularly in the wake of three recently vacant storefronts.

Should Detroit successfully welcome an Apple Store, it could signify a significant triumph for the city's retail landscape. With several high-profile retailers making transient appearances in recent years, a permanent Apple presence could lend stability and allure to downtown Detroit.

Despite the lingering effects of the pandemic on weekday office traffic, downtown Detroit continues to attract strong evening and weekend footfall. An Apple Store addition could further bolster the area's commercial vibrancy and enhance its overall appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Presently, Michigan houses six Apple Stores, with key locations in southeast Michigan such as Somerset Collection in Troy, Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township, and Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor.

Notably, the potential Apple Store site shares its block with a forthcoming Savage X Fenty store, a venture by singer Rihanna offering lingerie, sleepwear, and sportswear. This convergence of retail establishments underscores Detroit's evolving shopping landscape, which also includes prominent brands like Nike, Gucci, H&M, Lululemon, Bonobos, and Greyson Clothiers and expanding food options like Chipotle.

As the city adapts to changing consumer preferences and economic dynamics, the awaited confirmation of an Apple Store could signal a new era of growth and opportunity for downtown Detroit's business ecosystem.