Zarkpa's Purses and Accessories boutique has moved to the North End neighborhood. The lifestyle and clothing boutique celebrated two years of business with its grand re-opening at the new location. In addition to setting clothing and accessory trends, Zarkpa's hopes more businesses open in the North End.
Formerly located in the Harmonie Park/Paradise Valley neighborhood, Zarkpa's left downtown because of rising rents. Unfazed by this development, the boutique is optimistic about its future.
"The North End is an up-and-coming neighborhood just a mile or two away from Detroit’s new transit station," owner Tracy Garley says in a statement. "Downtown rents were rising, and as a new business you have to cut costs when you are paying way too much for rent. We also wanted to expand our business and better serve Detroit residents and other cities around us."
Another advantage to the new location is it being across the street from the Detroit International Academy for Young Women. Garley and partner Courtney Sims plan to offer those students internships in a retail and small business program. Being a good neighbor in the North End community is important to Garley and Sims.
Zarkpa's sells a number of items, many of which are locally-sourced and locally-designed. In addition to high-end purses, Zarkpa's offers clothing including dresses, shirts, and sweaters, as well as accessories including jewelry, glasses, and more.
Garley, a native of Monrovia, Liberia, moved to Detroit at age 11. Zarkpa is her birth name, as well as the name of her grandmother's tribe. Zarkpa translates to “debt-free,” and the boutique says that their customers feel free and independent as a result of their shopping there.
Zarkpa's Purses & Accessories is located at 9033 Woodward Ave.
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