Saturdays in Eastern Market are perfect for buying fruits, vegetables, and. . . the latest gear from the Detroit underground? If that sounds like a perfect weekend shopping list, it's time to head on down to the
Division Street Boutique.
Essentially beginning as a booth on the walking bridge over Gratiot, this tiny storefront on Division St. between Russell and I-75 has packed a huge selection of made-in-Detroit goods since opening in 2008. Situated in an old industrial garage bay, the guys behind the boutique turned the wide-open space into their own niche place.
"What we're really trying to do with the store is support local artists," says Drew Potvin, who manages the shop and lives behind it in a custom-built loft that doubles as a studio space. "We want to give people who normally wouldn't have the opportunity a chance to showcase their work." That work ranges anywhere from custom apparel to blown glass and fitted hats -- with a lot in between. At the Division Street Boutique you can find equipment from Mobil Skateboards, jewelry by Mystical Treasures, and attire from Äptemal Clothing, as well as a variety of musical and artistic works.
Though the shop is only open on Saturdays, you can peruse the goods anytime on their
website. However, it's well worth the trip to see it in person -- chances are you'll be treated to an entertaining skateboarding exhibition, some good company, and, if you're lucky, a hamburger and an ice-cold beer.
Division Street Boutique is located at 1353 Division St. It is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and for special events.
Source: Drew Potvin, Division Street Boutique
Writer: Ian Perrotta
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