Clothing and accessories shop Johnny Rags (formerly known as "Rags") has relocated from its previous downtown Detroit space at Broadway and Grand River to a brand-new location at 440 Congress.
The store moved late August but the owners waited until last Friday to celebrate their grand re-opening, wanting to display some fresh product with a fresh new look. "We wanted to wait until we had spring items to showcase," says co-owner Bliss Cureton.
After eight years in the previous location it was time for them to move on. Cureton and her business partner John Mangrum knew they wanted to stay downtown, and already they have seen a significant increase in business with their new proximity to Greektown and the central business district. "Women walk over on their breaks from Blue Cross, the GM Building, Greektown… It's just a better spot altogether."
Cureton describes the new store as being a little bit of southern California in Detroit. The space is very open with many windows that allow plenty of natural light. At approximately 1,400 square feet, the new store is much larger than the old store (which was further segmented into three separate rooms). The color scheme is an L.A.-cool aqua compared to the previous two-tone beige. The overall look and vibe is drastically different and, Cureton feels, greatly improved.
Rags has been open in different locations including Southfield and Dearborn since 1994. Originally opened by Robert Allen Grumet ("RAGs"), longtime employees Cureton and Mangrum took over the store four years ago.
Johnny Rags offers casual men's sportswear, designer jeans, T-shirts, and "funky" leather jackets year-round. For women the focus is more on interchangeable pieces that transition from day to evening for women ages 20-60.
Starting April 4, Johnny Rags will host "Champagne and Shopping" events every Thursday with deep in-store discounts 3-7 p.m.
Source: Bliss Cureton, co-owner of Johnny Rags
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg
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